Phil Bardsley's hopes of leaving Sunderland this summer have been all but ended by the news that he will miss 10 weeks of action with a broken foot.
The Scotland international full-back, who has been forced to train with the club's reserves in pre-season, sustained the injury during a match for Sunderland's Under-21s on Monday.
Seemingly not included in manager Paolo Di Canio's plans, Bardsley was reportedly desperate to secure a move away from the Stadium of Light before the close of the transfer window.
Newcastle United, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers had all been linked with the former Manchester United player, but it now seems certain that he will remain with the Black Cats until January at least.
Bardsley, 28, has made 167 first-team appearances for Sunderland since joining in a £2m switch from United in 2008.
