Coleman wants permanent Bridge deal

Adrian Curtis
Thursday 27 April 2006 00:00 BST
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Chelsea's summer clear-out could result in the England defender Wayne Bridge leaving if the Fulham manager, Chris Coleman, can find the money to turn his loan spell at Craven Cottage into a permanent transfer.

Coleman's Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho is planning his summer transfers, with the Germany captain, Michael Ballack, set to be the first arrival, on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Although Mourinho's side are on the verge of retaining the Premiership title, he has admitted they have not improved on last season and there are question marks over the future of the wingers Damien Duff and Arjen Robben and the defenders Ricardo Carvalho, Asier del Horno, Paulo Ferreira and Geremi.

Chelsea have been linked with a renewed move for the Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole, while Mourinho may rekindle his interest in Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, a player he has admired for some time.

Bridge may also join the exodus after leaving Stamford Bridge for Fulham on a temporary basis last January. The move was aimed at helping the England defender seal his place in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad for the finals in Germany this summer.

Bridge, who cost Chelsea £7m when he joined them from Southampton in July 2003, has impressed during his time with Fulham and Coleman said he would like to seal a permanent deal for the 25-year-old.

"He's one of the guys and he has fitted in well in the dressing-room," Coleman said. "I don't know if I can get him but I would love to. But that decision will be made by Chelsea."

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