Wayne Bridge close to West Ham United loan deal

Wayne Bridge is due to take a medical at West Ham United with a view to the Manchester City left-back signing until the end of the season on loan. Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, has limited options at left back, with his only specialist, Hérita Ilunga, out with a leg injury and the central defenders, Danny Gabidon, who is currently injured, Tal Ben Haim and Jonathan Spector, plus Luis Boa Morte, a midfielder, among those he has had to employ in the position. Ben Haim's future at Upton Park is unclear as his current loan deal from Portsmouth has now expired although the clubs are in negotiation to extend it. West Ham meet Birmingham City in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg tonight with Carlton Cole expected to start only on the bench due to his ongoing knee problems. The striker was not in the 18-man squad for the 2-0 defeat of Barnsley in the FA Cup third round on Saturday and has not been able to take a full part in training so far this week.