Former Burnley loanee Danny Drinkwater has joined Aston Villa from Chelsea for the rest of the season.

The 29-year-old midfielder spent the first half of the campaign with the Clarets but struggled to make an impression in Sean Dyche's side, limited to just one appearance in the Premier League and two overall.

Drinkwater was sidelined for a stint earlier in the campaign after suffering ankle ligament damage in September during an incident at a Manchester nightclub.

Villa boss Dean Smith said: "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."

Villa had been seeking midfield reinforcements after John McGinn was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.

Drinkwater is seeking a fresh start after a frustrating period in his career.

The Manchester United academy product was part of Leicester's Premier League-winning side in 2016, and moved to Chelsea in a £35million deal a year later.

However, the three-times capped England midfielder failed to nail down a starting place at Stamford Bridge, making only five league starts over a two-year period.