Bardsley in demand

Phil Bardsley is likely to trigger a summer stampede for his services.

According to a report in the Daily Mail the defender is unlikely to be offered a new deal by Stoke City with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Bardsley had been a regular in the Stoke defence this season but hasn’t been picked by Mark Hughes since picking up a late sending off against Chelsea on March 18.

Promoted duo Brighton and Newcastle are both watching the situation closely while his old club Sunderland as well as Hull and Reading are also keen on the 31-year old.

With over 200 Premier League appearances racked up at Sunderland and Stoke Bardsley won’t be short of offers although Stoke do have an option to extend his deal by 12 months.

Mark Hughes is believed to be keen on reducing the age profile of his team which along with on field disciplinary issues is likely to go against the one time Manchester United defender.