Bridge moved to Eastlands from Chelsea two years ago

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is interested in signing Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge on loan for the rest of the season.

The 30-year-old, who has 18 months left on his contract, has found his chances limited at City following Aleksandar Kolarov's arrival last summer.

Houllier confirmed: "There has been dialogue [regarding Bridge]."

The Frenchman has already signed a defender with Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker joining the Villans on loan.

Houllier hopes 20-year-old Walker, who has gone straight into Villa's squad to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, will provide decent cover for the injured Luke Young.

Bridge meanwhile would likely replace Stephen Warnock who was dropped for Villa's 3-3 draw at Chelsea and also missed the midweek home defeat by Sunderland.

606: DEBATE Do you want to see Bridge come in and Carew leave?

Houllier has also been linked with a move for Lyon's defensive midfielder Jean Makoun, while confirming West Bromwich Albion's interest in the injured Villa striker John Carew.

However, Emile Heskey's impending three-game ban following his dismissal against Sunderland makes a Carew move less likely.

"I know at some stage there were talks with West Brom," admitted Houllier. "I don't know where it will lead to.

"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."

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