WAYNE BRIDGE will tell Jose Mourinho on ChelseaÂ’s pre-season tour to America that he wants away from Stamford Bridge.
The England left-back is fed up of hearing that ArsenalÂ’s Ashley Cole is on his way to the Blues and knows his days are numbered.
Bridge, 25, was dropped down the pecking order when Asier Del Horno arrived last season and sees no way of establishing himself as a first-team regular when ColeÂ’s multi-million-pound transfer eventually goes through.
He is the latest in a long line of Chelsea stars who have kicked up a fuss after signing for Roman AbramovichÂ’s revolution.
Damien Duff got out when he forced the issue on his transfer to Newcastle, while Didier Drogba, Hernan Crespo and William Gallas have all said they want out.
Boss Mourinho knows he has a big job in satisfying all of his starsÂ’ demands and admitted in yesterdayÂ’s SunSport it was virtually impossible for him to keep everyone happy.
Another potential flashpoint is the arrival of Germany captain Michael Ballack, who will compete with Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Claude Makelele for a place in ChelseaÂ’s midfield.
Lampard has always responded positively to any challenge since his £11million move across London from West Ham.
And he will fight tooth and nail to make sure he remains among the first names on MourinhoÂ’s teamsheet.
But Ballack has arrived convinced he will breeze into the Chelsea starting line-up and he too will kick up a stink if not included.
That snob Ashley Cole coming, that is why Bridge wants to leave. What a waste.
the bridge is really falling down