Black Cat targeted

Football - Manchester City v Sunderland Barclays Premier League

West Ham and Stoke are both reportedly set to make £2million bids for Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. (Sky Sports)

24 year old Bardsley is of course a product of the Man United youth system and a pretty reliable right back who has served Sunderland well since arriving in January of last year being a virtual ever present since his arrival at the Stadium of Light.

Steve Bruce has used him in every game since he became the new Black Cats boss so I am not sure he will entertain the notion of selling the Salford lad. Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has already invested wisely during this transfer window bringing in Middlesbrough pair Tuncay and Robert Huth and he is clearly looking to further solidify his back line.

West Ham have been less active in recent weeks as they deal with financial hardship after the clubs Icelandic owners found themselves hit hard by the recession. Therefore little bargains like this are what Gianfranco Zola is looking for in order to beef up his squad.


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