Chelsea agree to let Bridge talk to City

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 Hughes's 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 club's Abu Dhabi based owners.