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Houllier confirms contact with Wayne Bridge

Wayne Bridge has made three league appearances for Manchester City this season © Getty Images

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Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has revealed he is in talks with Manchester City over the potential loan signing of Wayne Bridge.

Houllier has made the fullback positions his priority in the January transfer, already capturing Kyle Walker on loan from Tottenham. Now he wants to add left-back Bridge, who could arrive on a short-term arrangement until the end of the season.

City have plenty of cover for the left-back position with Aleksandar Kolarov and Joleon Lescott both capable of filling the role, and Bridge has made just three league appearances during the current campaign.

Houllier confirmed: "There has been dialogue (regarding Bridge). It is true we have been talking to them."

Meanwhile, Houllier insists he is not forcing John Carew out of the club, despite strong links to West Brom. Skipper Stiliyan Petrov recently called for the pair to settle their differences after Houllier slammed some "stupid" comments made by Carew, and the Villa boss is likely to need the Norwegian following Emile Heskey's red card against Sunderland.

"I know at some stage there were talks with West Brom. I don't know where it will lead to," said Houllier. "But to me Carew is an Aston Villa player and, as soon as he is available and fit, I will be delighted to have him in the squad and to play.

"Myself and John spoke before the Manchester City game. He didn't feel up to playing. He had missed training for various reasons and needed to work on his fitness which he is doing now. I will be delighted to have him in the squad and to play. Am I happy with his attitude? John is grown-up. If he feels he is not fit enough for the game, I take that on board.

"We know John. He can be outstanding. He is a very likeable person. There is no fall-out between John and myself. I am sure he has been working on his fitness and doing well. I don't think he will be involved in the FA Cup game but at some stage after that. I trust him to be back as soon as he is ready. We need him anyway."

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