West Ham have joined the queue of Premier League clubs considering a move for Phil Bardsley when the defender’s contract expires in the summer.

Talks have taken place between Sunderland and Bardsley but no new deal has been agreed and if the Black Cats are relegated it is likely he would leave.

The Sunderland Echo understands that Bardsley has no shortage of admirers prepared to sign him on a free transfer and allow him to remain in the Premier League, with West Ham thought to be one of the clubs interested.

If Fulham pull off a miraculous escape from the relegation dogfight, the Cottagers could also resurrect their interest in the 28-year-old after seeing a summer move fall through - when Bardsley was out of favour under Paolo Di Canio ­- and then having several bids rejected in the January transfer window.