namek14
18-07-2003, 09:52:PM
On Friday, Abramovich was at it again, bidding $11 million for Southampton's Wayne Bridge, an offer which was accepted by the Saints.
The 22-year-old Bridge, who has evolved through his three-year career solely with Southampton, is often linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal, but it was ultimately the buying power of Chelsea's new supremo which won the right to now conduct talks over personal contract terms.
If all goes well for the Blues, he will join new signings Glen Johnson and Geremi at the Stamford Bridge club.
"I regret to inform our supporters that we have given Wayne Bridge permission to speak to Chelsea with a view to signing for them," Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe said. "Wayne has quickly achieved great footballing success in his time with our club and has served us well.
"He has, however, made it known to both Gordon Strachan and me that he believes a move to Chelsea to be a career progression and an opportunity he cannot turn down.
"He is grateful for the tremendous support he has received from our Club, from both staff and supporters, which has undoubtedly contributed to his success.
"He has, however, made it clear that he wants to play Champions' League football, which he believes will give him a better chance of making him first choice for England."
Lowe added: "He will enjoy greater financial rewards at Chelsea and the club is geographically well placed for him to regularly visit his family.
"In the past we have rejected offers for Wayne Bridge from clubs to which he was not attracted.
"He has now handed us a transfer request thereby making it difficult for us to retain him despite the fact that he still has three years remaining on his contract.
During his three seasons in the Saints first team, Bridge has impressed supporters from his position at left back, making over 170 appearances for the club. His skill has also captured the eye of England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who included the defender in his 2002 World Cup squad. He has now earned 11 caps for the English national side.
"Southampton are a top team but there are two or three who are better," Bridge's agent, Jonathan Barnett, said. "There are exciting things going on at Chelsea and having the chance to be part of it would be great.
The 22-year-old Bridge, who has evolved through his three-year career solely with Southampton, is often linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal, but it was ultimately the buying power of Chelsea's new supremo which won the right to now conduct talks over personal contract terms.
If all goes well for the Blues, he will join new signings Glen Johnson and Geremi at the Stamford Bridge club.
"I regret to inform our supporters that we have given Wayne Bridge permission to speak to Chelsea with a view to signing for them," Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe said. "Wayne has quickly achieved great footballing success in his time with our club and has served us well.
"He has, however, made it known to both Gordon Strachan and me that he believes a move to Chelsea to be a career progression and an opportunity he cannot turn down.
"He is grateful for the tremendous support he has received from our Club, from both staff and supporters, which has undoubtedly contributed to his success.
"He has, however, made it clear that he wants to play Champions' League football, which he believes will give him a better chance of making him first choice for England."
Lowe added: "He will enjoy greater financial rewards at Chelsea and the club is geographically well placed for him to regularly visit his family.
"In the past we have rejected offers for Wayne Bridge from clubs to which he was not attracted.
"He has now handed us a transfer request thereby making it difficult for us to retain him despite the fact that he still has three years remaining on his contract.
During his three seasons in the Saints first team, Bridge has impressed supporters from his position at left back, making over 170 appearances for the club. His skill has also captured the eye of England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who included the defender in his 2002 World Cup squad. He has now earned 11 caps for the English national side.
"Southampton are a top team but there are two or three who are better," Bridge's agent, Jonathan Barnett, said. "There are exciting things going on at Chelsea and having the chance to be part of it would be great.