Aston Villa confirm the transfer of Chelsea midfielder

Premier League side Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Danny Drinkwater on a short-term loan agreement from Chelsea.

The England international spent the first half of the season on a temporary deal at Burnley but he struggled for gametime and managed just one appearance in the Premier League.

As a result, the Clarets did not take the option of retaining his services for the second half of the campaign and this has allowed the Villains to acquire the midfielder's signature on loan for the rest of the season.

 "Danny was a key member of Leicester City's title-winning team and has represented England, so he is a vastly experienced player. He will strengthen our squad significantly," Villains boss Dean Smith told the club's official website.

Villa are expected to be without goalkeeper Tom Heaton and striker Wesley for the rest of the campaign. John McGinn is sidelined for the next three months with an ankle problem and Drinkwater should replace the Scot in the club's midfield.