Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 02 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Man City agree a fee for Bridge
Manchester City have agreed fees with anyone Fa Barclaycard Premiership rivals Chelsea to defend England Wayne Bridge.

City boss Mark Hughes confirmed the deal on Friday and it is estimated that the club could pay up to £ 12m for Bridge.

The 28-year-old left back joined Chelsea for £ 7m from Southampton in July 2003.
But Bridge has seen his chances at Stamford Bridge reduced Ashley Cole since his arrival.

He signed a new four-year extension to his Chelsea contract in July 2008, but has become surplus to requirements since the arrival of Scolari, who has chosen to use Juliano Belletti as deputy for Cole at left back .

"If they have a good deal, no problem for me," Scolari said on Friday.

And speaking of the city before the FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Hughes said: "To my knowledge, the clubs have agreed a fee.

"We need to talk to the child and try to agree personal. If we can do hope that Wayne will be a Manchester City player is the goal.

"Wayne will probably travel to Manchester tonight and I hope that the negotiations go well and I can have a doctor tomorrow."

Hughes was in the twilight of his career when he noticed that Bridge one-and-coming player in Southampton.

"He is a player I knew when I was at Southampton and future, it was in the ranks," added Hughes.

"It was remarkable and you advance from year to year. I would be very happy to welcome here.

"Wayne is a good player - he is an England international who plays for one of four clubs in the country."

Bridge is currently suffering an injury that will keep Chelsea's Cup third round match against Southend United on Saturday.

City rich Arab oil billionaire Sheikh Mansour club and Khaldoon Al Mubarak are to finance a January spending spree with the intention of lifting the city clear of the relegation zone.

Bridge has made 142 appearances for Chelsea over five years and winning 32 International caps for England.
by bbcnews.