Liverpool try a surprise attempt at City’s Wayne Bridge
When Roy Hodgson stated that he had a couple of surprising signings yet to make this season he did emphasize on the word “surprising” and indeed he has delivered sworn fully. For instance the signing of Joe Cole or the picking of Serbian Milan Jovanovic but his latest raid has surprised everyone even more. He has gone after Manchester City’s defender Wayne Bridge.
The 29 year old left back of the Citizens is not sure about his future with the club as the club has replaced him with the signing of Lazio’s defender Aleksandar Kolarov. The star player has cost them around 17 million pounds. The 24 year old Serbian has had 82 appearances for Lazio in which he has scored 6 times. He has also had 15 caps for Serbia.
Bridge, who made a transfer from Chelsea last year, would now be back to square one. Just last year he made his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City due to similar reasons and now he is forced to do the same again.
Earlier Hodgson planned his move with Joe Cole meticulously. He knew that Chelsea were not going to give him in that easily but he also knew that the extension of his contract with Blues would not happen. He teamed up with the captain, Steven Gerrard and vice captain, Jamie Carragher of Liverpool to convince the striker that Liverpool was the place for his rejuvenation after the dismissive performance by all English players that played in the World Cup.
After Joe Cole came to Anfield and matters looked more stable, the Reds skipper also shed the speculation of him leaving the Merseyside, stating that he will still play for Liverpool. However there are players that are still planning to leave Anfield which includes the star Argentinean in the team.
Mid fielder Javier Mascherano has already made it clear that he will be joining his former manager Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan. The deal is expected to close around 25 million pounds while the full back Emiliano Insua has told that he will be joining Fiorentina. Rumours have it that the defender will be sold around for 5 million pounds and all these transfers do leave Hodgson a bit empty handed.
Though the Englishman Bridge had a good start to his season at Manchester City he was hit by a troubled knee. He suffered from a long term knee injury which started his doubts about remaining in the team for the next season. Bridge has had 87 appearances for Chelsea in which he scored a lone goal. For Manchester City he has made 39 appearances while for England he has got 36 caps and scored a lone goal again.
Bridge was also tarnished by the scandals that followed him all season. He was shocked by the involvement of John Terry, the captain of Chelsea and the ex-partner of Bridge, Vanessa Perroncel.
The Italian manager of Manchester City Mancini had full backing for their team mate but his performance was not just judged by them. It was apparent that he was affected by the whole Terry saga and he eventually quit football internationally which arose to accurate comments that the retirement was announced so that he would not have to face Terry.
Manchester City’s defender Kolarov, has had two caps for Serbia in the 2010 World Cup and the final signing of papers for the Citizens will happen after the team’s doctors complete their medical report.
The Light Blues are also looking forward to sign Fernando Torres. Rumour has it that they will be willing to pay up to 60 million pounds for the coveted striker. Players are still being shuffled around and transfers are being made at the club so there will be more to see from the club before the start of the season. Mancini too has admitted that his eyes are still scouring the market for players.
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