Villa seal Bardsley deal
08 Jan 2007 - 14:20:53
Aston Villa have snapped up the Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley on loan until the end of the season.
The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan with Rangers and had been expected to sign for Sunderland for the rest of the campaign.
Bardsley is not allowed to play for Villa against United on Saturday, but is expected to make his debut in the Premiership clash with Watford on January 20.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill had earlier said about the transfer: "I spoke to Sir Alex (Ferguson) a few days ago and he wouldn't mind at all. But, like anything else, until things are signed, I won't take it for granted.
"We just want to start building the squad up a wee bit to give the players a helping hand."
Bardsley has made 17 appearances for United and spent a month on loan with Burnley last term.
He had been expected to spend all this season on loan at Ibrox, but fell out with former Gers boss Paul Le Guen after making seven appearances for the Glasgow outfit.
