Chelsea agree to let Bridge talk to City

January 2, 2009

LONDON (AFP) – Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge has been given permission to speak to Manchester City about a move to Eastlands, the west London club confirmed on Friday.

Bridge, 28, is top of City boss Mark Hughess transfer window shopping list and the Blues are ready to sell the left-back for around 12 million pounds.

The former Southampton player, who has won 32 England caps, only recently extended his Chelsea contract until 2012, but he struggles to hold down a first-team spot at Stamford Bridge when Ashley Cole is fit.

A desire for regular football could persuade Bridge to join City and kick off what promises to be a busy transfer window for Hughes, who has been handed a substantial warchest by the clubs Abu Dhabi based owners.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has to sell before he can buy in the window and he admitted he would have no problem letting Bridge leave, if the price is right.

"If they have a good deal, it is no problem for me," Scolari said. "But it is best you ask (chief executive) Peter Kenyon as he knows everything that is happening.

"I have a meeting with Peter after training and I will ask him then about what is happening and whether we have a deal or not.

"If any club wants to buy a player from Chelsea, they have to offer big money because if they play for Chelsea they are very good players.

"When a club wants one player from Chelsea my advice is offer but dont offer less, offer big, because Chelsea is a very big club and has fantastic players."

Scolari had made it clear late last year that he was keen to sign an attacking player to bolster his options, but he insists he has yet to ask the board to fund any new signings.

"I dont say to Peter that I need to buy some players – I have a good squad," he said.

"I have not spoken to Peter about anything for five days. If I want a player I tell Peter first but I have not done so in 2008 or today. Im happy with my players here, I dont want other players."

Scolari will field a young team in Saturdays FA Cup third round tie against League One side Southend at Stamford Bridge, but the Brazilian is adamant he is not disrespecting the competition.

Centre-back Michael Mancienne, who was called up by England after a successful loan spell at Wolverhampton, is likely to feature, while Lee Sawyer and Jeffrey Bruma are also in the squad.

"I have some problems in the squad. Five or six players who have played a lot more games will not be involved in this game," he said.

"I know the history. Its a fantastic competition and the players like to play and arrive in the final.

"But now is the time to train and look at some situations for the players.

"Five or six wont play. Michael Ballack is suspended, John Terry is suspended, Jose Bosingwa has a little injury. Petr Cech wont play. But I have a good squad and I receive two or three young players.

"I gave Mancienne time to grow up. Now hes better than before. When I arrived, I had four central defenders, but since then Ive never had four.

"Ive had three or two and had many injuries. Now I give Mancienne a chance to come back. If I have an injury, I am not afraid any more."

Written by: AFP

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