West Ham United interested in Sunderland's Phil Bardsley?

West Ham United are reportedly pondering a summer move for Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley.

The 28-year-old, who has returned to the side following his snub by former boss Paolo Di Canio, comes to the end of his contract in the summer.

According to the Sunderland Echo, West Ham are one of a number of Premier League clubs open to clinching the defender's signature on a free transfer.

The report has claimed that the Black Cats' eight out-of-contract players are unlikely to stay with the North-East outfit should they suffer relegation from the top flight.

Sunderland are currently rooted to the bottom of the league table, seven points adrift of safety with seven games left to play.