Wayne Bridge's agent expects the player to complete his move to cash-rich Chelsea on Monday. Southampton reluctantly agreed to the England defender's request for a transfer yesterday, allowing him to open talks with the London club.
A fee in the region of £7million is understood to have been agreed between the two clubs and all that remains is for the player to complete negotiations on personal terms and await the results of a medical.
"I can't see any problems and hopefully everything will be sorted on Monday," said Bridge's representative Jonathan Barnet.
Bridge, 22, was given his international debut by Sven-Goran Eriksson in February last year against Holland in Amsterdam.
He was part of the World Cup squad, but has lagged behind Ashley Cole, who gets regular Champions League experience with Arsenal, in the England reckoning.
Chelsea, bankrolled by their new Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, are hoping to complete the renovation of the entire left flank of their team, with talks also continuing with winger Damien Duff over a £17million move from Blackburn.