City seal Bridge swoop

12 April 2012

Wayne Bridge has become the first signing of what seems sure to be a busy transfer window for Manchester City.

The England defender completed his medical on Saturday morning and agreed personal terms on a move from Chelsea, which is reported to be worth in the region of £10million.

Bridge has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract after ending his time at Stamford Bridge, where he has largely played second fiddle to Ashley Cole.

The 28-year-old was introduced to the home fans before their FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest and is expected to make his debut against Portsmouth at Fratton Park next Saturday.

"I played alongside Wayne at Southampton and saw him come through the ranks," City boss Mark Hughes told the club's official website.

"He was an outstanding young player and he's progressed year on year in his career.

"He is a successful player. He is an England international and has just played for one of the top four sides in the country.

"He is of the right quality and is the type of player we need to attract.

"We need good players that understand this league and we will look to carry on in that way and add more if we can."

It is expected Hughes will return to old club Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz early next week as City's Abu Dhabi-based owners begin to flex their vast financial muscle.

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