Manchester City are on the verge of completing their first signing of the transfer window with reports claiming they are in talks with Chelsea and England defender Wayne Bridge.

City, who are looking to invest the mass funds made available by their Abu Dhabi United Group owners, are believed to have been given permission by Chelsea to speak to their out-of-favour left-back.

Bridge has started just three Premier League games so far this season and could cost the Eastlands club around £8million.

He has had to play second fiddle to Ashley Cole since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Southampton in a £7m deal in 2003