Gus Poyet has been given the green light to tempt Wayne Bridge into the Championship.

The Argus understands Albion have asked Manchester City if they can take the former England left-back on loan.

City have no objection, leaving the Seagulls boss with the task of persuading the player into the second tier.

Bridge has not made a Premier League appearance for City since Christmas 2010.

He had undistinguished loan spells at West Ham and Sunderland in the Premier League but turned down a move to Celtic.

City will ensure his wages, reported to be about £90,000 per week, are not a stumbling block.

But Bridge might be reluctant to drop into the Championship.

He famously rejected a move to Portsmouth because his dad supports their arch rivals Southampton.

City boss Roberto Mancini consistently urged the former Saints and Chelsea defender to move in search of first-team action. Even if it means playing in the Championship.

Mancini said last December: “Sometimes I don’t understand why there are some players who have a good chance to play football, maybe not in the Premier League but in the Championship.”

Poyet has made no secret of the fact he wants to add another left-back to his squad.