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Bardsley played 16 games on loan at Sheffield United

Sunderland have signed Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley in a deal that could eventually be worth �2m.

The right-back, 22, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal and is relishing working again with former team-mate and manager Roy Keane.

Bardsley told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Keane's been a big influence on my career and as a player I think he got the best out of me.

"I think as a manager he can get the best out of me as well."

Black Cats boss Roy Keane had been tracking Bardsley for sometime and was delighted to finally bring him to the Stadium of Light.

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

Sunderland have been struggling in the Premier League this season but Bardsley feels that there is enough potential within the club to stay up.

He said: "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think they could get out of it. They've got some fantastic players here and a couple more wins and we'll climb up the league.

"We know it's going to be a battle but I think it's time we rolled our sleeves up and got down to work."

Bardsley, who had spells at Royal Antwerp, Burnley, Rangers, Aston Villa and Sheffield United, played 18 times for the Red Devils.

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