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Fulham have reportedly returned with a new offer for Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley.
The Londoners, who were leap-frogged in the Premier League last night by Sunderland, were linked with the full back in the summer before injury halted their plans. They returned with a fresh offer last week, but saw it rejected with Gus Poyet stating he plans on opening discussions to extend Bardsley's current contract which expires in six months.
Now, Sky Sports report that Fulham have returned with yet another offer to test Sunderland's resolve further.
It's difficult to see why a move would appeal to anyone really, Fulham aside. Poyet wants to keep an in-form player and we are not talking about rejecting huge sums of money here. Also, why would Sunderland be interested in strengthening a principle relegation rival?
The player himself has a cup final to look forward to and is enjoying his football at a club he clearly cares a great deal about. The very worst-case scenario for him here is he gets freedom of contract in a matter of months and he'd fancy his chances of getting a good deal somewhere.
You do wonder slightly, as such Fulham persistence probably means that they are getting some encouragement from somewhere. But it surely can't be a goer at this stage of the transfer window.
