Evans joins Black Cats

Sunderland have signed United defender Jonny Evans on loan until the end of the season.

The centre-back, who turned 20 this week, enjoyed a successful spell on loan at the Stadium of Light last season as Roy Keane's men earned promotion to the Premier League.

Sunderland attempted to re-sign Evans again at the start of the 2007/08 campaign, but Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to keep the Northern Ireland international as defensive cover.

Evans has made three appearances for the Reds this season - once in the Carling Cup and twice in the Champions League. He is yet to make a Premier League appearance for United and his first top-flight experience will now come for the Mackems.

The Sunderland official website reports that Evans will go straight into Keane's squad for Saturday's FA Cup third round clash with Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light.

Evans becomes the third United youngster this week to go out on loan. Kieran Lee has joined QPR and Michael Barnes has signed for Chesterfield. Both loan deals are until the end of the season.