Sunderland chase Man Utd players

And manager Roy Keane is also keen to sign fellow Old Trafford defender Jonny Evans for the remainder of the season.

But United manager Alex Ferguson has yet to decide whether he will allow Evans to move to the Stadium of Light.

"We could decide to keep him here but if he does go on loan, Sunderland would present the right type of challenge for him," Ferguson told MUTV.

Bardsley has Premiership experience having made 17 first-team appearances for United.

The 21-year-old was on loan at Rangers at the start of the season, but fell out with coach Paul Le Guen during his time at Ibrox.

Evans made an impressive full international debut in Northern Ireland's 3-2 win over Spain in September.

The 18-year-old is currently on a season-long loan deal at United's feeder club Royal Antwerp.

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