The 30-year-old's still has a year left to run on his £35,000-a-week contract, but with Bruce desperate to find some wiggle room in his budget the club are likely to seek a compromise with the player.
The 13-time England intenrational's last appearance for Villa came in a 1-1 draw with Wolves back on October 15, 2016 as he played 65 minutes before suffering a serious knee injury.
Villa boss Steve Bruce attributed his lack of appearances last season to a lack of consistent fitness, with the defender's career having been plagued by injuries.
Richards burst onto the scene as a powerful teenager, becoming England's youngest ever defender when he made his debut at just 18.
He was tipped to reach the very top and was named Manchester City's vice-captain by manager Roberto Mancini as he looked like being a fixture in the club's defence for over a decade.
However, a serious knee injury suffered in a game against Swansea in 2012 all but ended his development as a player, with Richards never refinding his best form.
A loan move to Fiorentina failed to provide him with the game time he craved, whilst his move to Villa turned into a nightmare as they were relegated from the Premier League during his first season at the club, with his availability limited by a series of injury problems.