According to reports, Fulham are keeping tabs on Phil Bardsley, of fellow strugglers Sunderland. Bardsley was frozen out of the first team under former manager Paolo di Canio but, since the sacking of the controversial Italian, has gone on to become a key player under new boss Gus Poyet at the Stadium of Light. The 28-year-old helped marshal his side to an impressive draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, keeping a clean sheet, and his defensive capabilities have not gone unchecked by Fulham. Meulensteen is believed to be a long term admirer of Bardsley, and could make a January bid to shore up a defence that has kept just two clean sheets all season and have conceded the joint-most goals in the Premier League.