Struggling West Ham United have confirmed the loan signing of Wayne Bridge until the end of the season.
The former England left back passed a medical at Upton Park on Wednesday and West Ham have beaten off competition from fellow bottom three dwellers Aston Villa to bring him in from Manchester City.
The 30-year-old former Southampton and Chelsea man has seen himself reduced to hardly any playing time under Roberto Mancini and, after the London club agreed to pay all of his £70-80,000-a-week wages, has welcomed the move. His focus now is on keeping the Hammers in the Premier League.
"I am delighted to sign for West Ham United," Bridge told the club’s official website. "I am just looking forward to meeting everyone at the training ground, starting work and getting out on the pitch and playing in front of the fans. I am glad the loan is sorted and I'm ready to play.
"It will be great to play a part in helping keep West Ham in the Premier League," added Bridge. "It would be a big achievement.
"I know a few of the players from England and I know the physio. I spoke to Scotty Parker and a few people and they told me what a great club it is. That definitely helped me make the decision to come here.
"There is a lot of quality here and I know we can move up the table.”
Bridge may make his debut in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal and he is also eligible for the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Birmingham City in two weeks’ time. The Hammers won the first leg 2-1 on Tuesday.