Bardsley to sign on at Stoke

Stoke City have announced the signing of Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley on a free transfer.

Bardsley will officially join Stoke on July 1 when his contract expires and the 28-year-old has penned a three-year deal with the Britannia Stadium outfit.

The right-back progressed through the ranks at Manchester United, but was often sent out on loan during his time at Old Trafford.

He moved to Sunderland in 2008, though, and went on to make exactly 200 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes said that Bardsley’s experience appealed to him.

“I’m really pleased to bring Phil in to the club,” Hughes told Stoke’s official website.

“He’s a player of great Premier League experience, who I think will bring added quality to the squad.

“He has plenty of qualities that will improve us and help move the football club forward to where we want to be.

“Phil was genuinely excited to join and I’m delighted to bring him in as his personality and desire will shine in the dressing room.”

After being left out in the cold by former Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio, Bardsley became a regular under Gus Poyet, making 26 appearances this season.