Phil Bardsley considers Sunderland offer
Phil Bardsley is considering a new deal with Sunderland. His contract will come to an end next season.
The Scottish international has made eight appearances for Sunderland manager Steve Bruce and has established himself as a key defender.
The Sunderland manager and chairman Niall Quinn have been working together to convince Bardsley that his future lies at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking to BBC Newcastle, Bruce said, “We have offered a contract to him. Niall [Quinn] has been talking to his representatives over the last week or so, and I do believe we are close."
Bardsley joined Sunderland from Manchester United in January 2008 in a deal that cost the Premiership club £2m.
The player made his Scottish debut last month after initially turning down an offer as he declared himself for England, but the player decided to accept another approach from the Scottish Football Association.
Bardsley has made 80 appearances for Sunderland since moving from Old Trafford and Bruce is eager to commit the player to another contract.
"He's somebody I wanted to have as part of my squad. The deal has been offered three weeks ago, when we called him in, and it looks as though it is close so he should commit his future to the club in the next few weeks or so."
The news will come as a welcome boost to chairman Quinn and Bruce who are looking for something positive after they were thrashed 5-1 by arch rivals Newcastle United.
In addition to taking a step closer in securing a deal for Bardsley, Bruce received some good news about David Meyler.
The player returned to action earlier than expected and made an appearance for the reserves. The midfielder injured his cruciate ligament against Manchester United last season.
Bruce will hope that Meyler will join up with Bardsley in the first team by the end of the month.
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