Micah Richards has been released on bail by police

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has been arrested in connection with an alleged assault outside a nightclub.

The 20-year-old England international was questioned by Greater Manchester Police over a reported attack on a man in Hale. He was later released on bail.

Police said the man was attacked on Christmas Eve.

Mr Richards joined Manchester City from Oldham Athletic as a 14-year-old and signed a new contract with the club in February last year.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 20-year-old man has been arrested after an assault outside a Hale nightclub, at about 0030 GMT on 24 December 2008.

"The man was arrested on suspicion of section 47 assault by appointment on Wednesday 4 February.

"He has been bailed until 8 April pending further inquiries."

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes said the club were "very supportive" of their player.

Hughes added: "He went to the police station in a pre-arranged appointment.

"It is an ongoing situation, we are aware of that and we are supportive of him."

Hughes also said the footballer was in "the right frame of mind" to feature in the club's home game against Middleborough on Saturday.