Chelsea confirmed earlier today they had given the Eastlands club permission to speak to the England left-back over a possible move.

Hughes revealed he was optimistic of concluding the deal in the next 24 hours.

He said: "My understanding is the clubs have agreed a fee.

"We need to speak to the boy and try to agree personal terms.

"If we can do that hopefully Wayne will be a Manchester City player, that's the aim.

"Wayne will probably travel to Manchester this evening and hopefully negotiations will go well and he can have a medical tomorrow."

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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.''

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.