North East rivals Sunderland and Newcastle United are both linked with Stoke City right-back Phil Bardsley – but do relegated Sunderland have an advantage?
With Phil Bardsley’s Stoke City contract expiring in a matter of weeks, he could find himself in the enviable position of choosing his next club.
And it appears that he will not be short of options. The Sun claims that Brighton, Reading and Hull City, not to mention North East rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland, are tracking the 31-year-old right-back.
He may not be a signing that will get fans rushing to the ticket office but there’s a reason Bardsley has played at the top level for ten years.
And, on initial inspection, a move to Newcastle may stand out off the page. After all, The Magpies would offer Bardsley the chance to remain in the Premier League rather than drop down to the Championship.
And with Champions League winning Rafael Benitez seemingly hoping to create a dynasty at St James’ Park, it appears that Newcastle are back to stay.
Tales of the Bard
On paper, a move to a recently-relegated Sunderland side facing an uncertain future in the Championship appears far less enticing – even if Bardsley knows the club well having spent seven years at the Stadium of Light.
However, given that the one-time Manchester United prospect has been frozen out by Stoke manager Mark Hughes recently, perhaps the chance of first-team football will appeal more than the opportunity to continue his career in the top flight.
Bardsley has only started 14 Premier League games this season. And, with DeAndre Yedlin seemingly set to be Newcastle’s first-choice right-back for the foreseeable future, the Scotland international would hardly be guaranteed more game-time on Tyneside.
Therefore, a return to Sunderland cannot be discounted. Donald Love is out-of-favour under David Moyes, Atletico loanee Javier Manquillo is set to depart while the club could also do with an upgrade on Billy Jones.
Therefore, Sunderland could offer Bardsley the chance to play regularly, albeit in the Championship. The combative full-back will need to get his priorities in order.
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