Leeds United boss Simon Grayson has swooped to sign Aston Villa's Scotland international midfielder Barry Bannan on loan until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old completed the formalities of his loan move on Monday morning and the United boss was delighted to sign a player who already boasts the experience of being part of a promotion winning side.

Bannan, who has made 21 appearances for Villa and has featured in the Premier League and the Europa League, made 24 appearances for Blackpool last season and stepped off the bench in the Play-Off final as the Seasiders beat Cardiff City to clinch a place in the Premier League.

"Barry is a player we have been tracking for a while," said the United boss. "Circumstances have now changed where Villa are in a position to let him join us and I'd like to thank them for agreeing to the move.

"He's had the opportunity to go to nearly every other team in the Championship so for him to come here makes it all the more pleasing.

"He's used to this division and he played a major part in Blackpool's run to get promoted last season so he has experience and he fits the bill perfectly for us."

Bannan, who played in the Scotland side with Robert Snodgrass against Northern Ireland at the start of February, will go straight into the squad for United's trip to Preston on Tuesday.

Aston Villa have a recall clause which can be activated after 28 days.