Bridges in Sunderland talks

Bolton striker Michael Bridges is in talks about a move back to his first club Sunderland after finding first-team opportunities limited at the Reebok Stadium.

The 26-year-old was a teenage prodigy with Sunderland who left the Stadium of Light to join Leeds in a £5million deal in 1999.

But a series of injuries since that deal have scuppered the hopes which Bridges had of establishing himself as a Premiership striker, and despite signing a 12-month deal with Bolton this summer, Sam Allardyce is ready to let the frontman leave.

Bolton confirmed Sunderland were discussing terms of a permanent transfer with Bridges, with an agreement between the two clubs already in place.

Bridges scored 21 goals in 41 starts for Sunderland, before a prolific first season at Elland Road suggested the Yorkshire club had made a shrewd signing.

But he has since been plagued by injuries, and on two occasions his career was threatened by ankle problems.

A loan spell at Newcastle failed to develop into a permanent deal, but Bolton offered him the chance to resurrect his top-flight career in the summer following Leeds’ relegation.

Should Bridges sign this week, he could face Leeds at Elland Road on Friday.