Transfer Speculation: Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich) to Manchester City (£12m)

It is fair to say that Wayne Bridge hasn't been the best purchase that Mark Hughes has made since City's astonishing spending spree began. Recently rated by Alan Hansen, on Match of the Day, as playing at a minus six out of ten level, Bridge damaged medial knee ligaments against Chelsea and is unlikely to be fit again before the new year - and perhaps longer.

With this background there is little prospect of a link to a high quality left back being dismissed out of hand. The Sun reckons that City are after German full-back Philipp Lahm - who has been repeatedly linked to moves to England over the last three years. A progressive full-back who is reportedly at odds with the Bayern Munich hierarchy he would be a very good addition to City's squad.

With City sitting on the edge of the Champions' League qualification places there is no prospect that an obvious weakness at left-back continuing. Sylvinho may come in temporarily but Bridge has gone from an ever-present during his Southampton days to a bit injury prone latterly and whether he recovers quickly or not he may find that competition for his spot will be increased in January, if not by Lahm then by someone else.

City's ambitions will probably require two players fighting for every place - although you usually want your defence to be a stable unit, competition at full-back is hardly destabilizing. Bridge, like he found at Chelsea, may find that joining the richest club in the division means that your performances or fitness cannot be doubted for any length of time - certainly if you wish to keep your place.

Probability: 3/5