Sunderland have signed Manchester United defender Jonny Evans on loan for a second time.

The 20-year-old defender spent a successful loan spell with Roy Keane's side last season, starting 18 matches and helping the club gain promotion to the Premier League.

Despite featuring twice in the Champions League so far this season, including one match as part of the youthful side that achieved a 1-1 draw away to Roma, the Northern Ireland international has yet to make an appearance in the Premier League.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane said: "Jonny did very well for us last year.

"We hope that is the start of a number of players coming in."

The move by Evans has allowed Sunderland defender Stanislav Varga to join Burnley on loan, also until the end of the season.

The Slovakian defender, 35, could go straight into the side that hosts Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.