SUNDERLAND are closing in on Manchester United's out of favour defender Phil Bardsley.

The full-back has just completed a three month loan spell at Sheffield United - playing 16 times for the Championship club - and returned to Old Trafford after the derby with Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

Blades boss Bryan Robson is keen to make his move to Bramall Lane permanent, but sources close to the 22-year-old defender say he is holding out for a move to the Stadium of Light.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to accept an initial fee of £1m which wil increase based on appearances and achievements.

Bardsley has been sent out on loan several times by Ferguson since he turned professional and he also has top flight experience with Aston Villa, playing 13 times for Martin O'Neill's side last season.

Ironically, his first Premier League start for the Red Devils came against Mick McCarthy's Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in 2005 where he was part of a 3-1 winning side.

Keane acknowledged he wanted to add a couple of defenders to his under-strength squad during the transfer window and it is of no surprise he is chasing Bardsley.

Summer signing Greg Halford has not justified his £3m price tag and the Sunderland boss has been playing four centre halves across his back line in recent weeks, or employing midfielder Dean Whitehead at right back.

The Wearsiders have also been linked with a move for Shakhtar Donetsk defender Razvan Rat.

Rat, a 26-year-old left back who has had spells in Germany, Spain and France, is believed to be available for £3.5m.

When Keane was questioned about any forthcoming transfers he said: "Nothing is moving at the moment but we are hopeful (of bringing players in). But I have been saying that for three weeks now."

Sunderland's defeat at Tottenham at the weekend means the club have, not only failed to win away from home this term but, stretched their wretched top flight form on the road to two years.

Yesterday marked the second anniversary of victory at West Brom courtesy of a Steve Watson own goal - the last time the Wearsiders took all three points on their travels in the Premier League.

On Saturday at White Hart Lane the Black Cats looked no closer to ending that barren run, increasing the pressure on their home form. This weekend is another must-win encounter as fellow strugglers Birmingham arrive at the Stadium of Light.

Keane acknowledged that if it wasn't for Sunderland's home form this term then the club would be struggling to stay in touch with the rest of the pack.

He said: "Every game is important but our results away from home have been poor.

"There has been one or two decent performances but the results have been particularly disappointing.

"Our home record has kept us in touch thank god. I would say we would have been dead and buried, but we would be making things very hard for ourselves like Derby.

"If you don't win your home games it will be very difficult."