Stoke City are eyeing a move for Sunderland stopper Phil Bardsley, and will swoop in January for his services.

The 24-year-old stopper spent five years at Old Trafford, but his time there was marked by a series of loan spells, including at the likes of Aston Villa and Rangers.

Now plying his trade in the North East with Steve Bruce's Sunderland, Bardsley has been quietly impressive for The Black Cats this season, and his form has alerted a host of league rivals as to his abilities.

Sunderland of course, will be loathe to lose a player regarded by Steve Bruce as an integral squad member, but having spent fairly freely in the summer, the board would welcome some income in the January window.

The ex-Red Devil is under contract until 2011 on Wearside, but Stoke appear determined to prise him away.

Fulham are also rumoured to be monitoring the situation, but The Potters remain favourites to land the Salford born stopper in January.