Brighton secure Bridge on loan

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge has moved to Championship side Brighton on a season-long loan deal.

The left-back, who has not featured for City since last September, was loaned out to Sunderland in January and subsequently made 10 appearances for Martin O’Neill’s side.

The 31-year-old was signed by Mark Hughes in January 2009 for 10 million pounds but was marginalised at City following the arrival of Roberto Mancini.

“It’s difficult to say how I happy I am because it’s not easy to get top-class players. I’m absolutely delighted to have Wayne with us. He’s been one of the top three left-backs in this country for many years,” Brighton boss Gus Poyet said.

“There were a lot of things that had to come together to make it happen. Firstly, David Platt has been great at Manchester City and then Wayne and his agent have helped a lot too.

“It was not an easy one to secure, but this is what we want at this club. He’s a quality player with lots of international experience.

“Wayne has played at the top of English football for a long time. We have all got to learn from him and I’m sure that he will have a very good season with us. It’s going to be very nice to sit back and watch him on the pitch.”