Phil Bardsley: Injury set to end transfer hopes

Full-back Bardsley sustained the injury during Sunderland's Under 21s win over Bolton on Monday and was forced off at half-time.

Scans have confirmed Bardsley has broken his foot and he is expected to be out of action for 10 weeks.

The news is a major blow for Bardsley, who was set to leave the Stadium of Light before the close of the transfer window after being told he does not figure in Paolo Di Canio's plans.

Bardsley has been left out of Sunderland's first-team plans and had been forced to train with the club's reserves in pre-season.

The likes of Fulham, Newcastle and Blackburn were all thought to be weighing up moves for the Scotland international, but it seems he will now remain on Wearside when the transfer window closes as a result of his injury.