O'Neill confirms move for Bardsley
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed his intention to sign Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley on loan for the remainder of the season.
O'Neill has spoken to his United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson about Bardsley, who was on loan to Rangers during the first half of the campaign, moving to Villa Park. Bardsley, 21, would be unable to play in next weekend's Barclays Premiership match with United at Old Trafford but could make his debut in the home clash with Watford on January 20.
O'Neill, whose side lost 2-1 in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford, said: "I spoke to Sir Alex a few days ago about Bardsley and he wouldn't mind at all. But like anything else, until things are signed, I won't take it for granted."
He added: "Hopefully he'll join us this week, though obviously he can't play against Manchester United next weekend. We just want to start building the squad up a wee bit to give the players a helping hand."
O'Neill is keen to strengthen his back four and right-back Bardsley's arrival would allow former skipper Olof Mellberg to revert to his preferred role in the centre of defence.
But it may put a question mark over the future of Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes who has struggled to regain his place after recovering from injury.
Welsh international Mark Delaney is the other possibility for O'Neill to use at right-back but the elsh international is still struggling to overcome a knee problem.
O'Neill is aware he has to bring in new blood to freshen up a squad which he admits has been pushed to the limit during the opening half of the campaign.
