Bardsley spent the first half of the season on loan at Rangers

The 21-year-old was previously on loan at Rangers and will not be eligible to play until after Villa's Premiership trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.

The arrival of Bardsley will be welcome relief to a Villa side starting to struggle because of injuries.

They have earned only five points from the last 10 Premiership games and lost to United in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The truth is if Lee is willing to come back and take his chance, that would be fine by me O'Neill on Lee Hendrie

Meanwhile, Villa manager Martin O'Neill has said he will hold talks with Lee Hendrie about his future at the club after the midfielder returned from his loan at Stoke.

"Stoke would want Lee to go back to them but I want to speak to Lee," he said.

"I had a brief conversation when he was in for treatment. I'd rather have a more lengthy conversation with him to see where we are.

"He's played the games for Stoke, he is match fit and I am sure Lee's heart is at Villa. If he felt there was an opportunity to get back into the side, I'm sure he would try to have a go.

"He's got six months left of his contract, he's got his testimonial at Villa and, ideally, it would be great for him to be at Villa when his testimonial comes around.

"The opportunity for every single one of our players is there. I can guarantee no-one a starting place in the team.

"The truth is, if Lee is willing to come back and take his chance, that would be fine by me."