City boss Mark Hughes is looking to strengthen his defence and Bridge has become his first target.

Chelsea have confirmed City have made an approach for the defender and talks are ongoing.

Hughes is reported to have a transfer kitty of around £60million at his disposal this month and Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted today Bridge could head north if the price was right.

"If they have a good deal, it is no problem for me," said Scolari. "But it is best you ask (chief executive) Peter Kenyon as he knows everything that is happening.

"I have a meeting with Peter after training and I will ask him then about what is happening and whether we have a deal or not.

"If any club wants to buy a player from Chelsea, they have to offer big money because if they play for Chelsea they are very good players.

"When a club wants one player from Chelsea my advice is offer but don't offer less, offer big, because Chelsea is a very big club and has fantastic players."

Kenyon has already made it clear to Scolari he needs to sell players before he can think about adding to his squad this month.

Bridge moved to Stamford Bridge from Southampton in 2003 for £7million and signed a four-year contract extension six months ago.

However, with Ashley Cole established as first-choice left-back under Scolari, Bridge appears ready to quit the club in search of the regular football which could boost his chances of national team recognition with England.