Bardsley the latest United starlet to make a move to Sunderland

Keane has snapped-up the full back, who has just finished a three month loan spell with Sheffield United and returned to Old Trafford after the derby with Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

The Blades were keen to make the deal permanent but the 22-year-old jumped at the chance to stay in the Premiership and today travelled to the north-east for talks with Keane and undergo a medical.

Keane said: 'We needed to strengthen our defence and Phil is a good addition to the squad.'

Bardsley, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract, added: 'Sunderland have a fantastic manager who has given me the chance to come here and play. I'm delighted, it's a massive club and a good opportuniy.'

Bardsley is the second former United player to move to the Stadium of Light in January, with Jonny Evans making the move earlier in the month.