Aston Villa have signed AS Roma's Argentian striker Gustavo Bartelt on loan for the rest of the season.

With Dion Dublin out for the rest of the season with broken neck vertebrae and Stan Collymore set to join Leicester, Villa boss John Gregory has been forced to reinforce his frontline.

If Bartelt's loan spell works out, Villa hope to complete a £4m permanent transfer.

Gregory said: "Roma are quite happy for him to come out on loan to us. Since he joined them for £4m he has not had as many opportunities as he would have liked in Italy."

Collymore should complete his move to Filbert Street on Monday, Gregory added.

"I think Leicester were quite right to be a little cautious about making certain everything is in order," he said.

"The player is up for the move and obviously the transfer will give me some fresh options."

---

Sonner keeps options open

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Danny Sonner has admitted he is considering his future as he is unhappy with the club's current contract offer.

Sonner, available on a Bosman free transfer in the summer, is refusing to pledge himself to the Owls.

He said: "I've spoken to Sheffield Wednesday but my situation is still unresolved.

"We've been talking now for two to three months, but I can leave in the summer under the Bosman ruling so I'm keeping my options open.

"I would love to stay at Sheffield Wednesday and if things are right then I will."

---

Gong for Gareth

Gareth Southgate has been named the Premiership Player of the Month for January after a string of impressive performances at the heart of Aston Villa's defence.

The Villa captain scored both goals in Villa's 2-1 Premiership win over Leeds and has marshalled a defence that conceded only two goals during the month.

The Carling judging panel said of Villa's England defender: "Gareth Southgate's career has been one of ups and downs, but he has been a true professional throughout and a consistent performer for both club and country.

"John Gregory couldn't wish for a better captain, and Southgate will be a key part of Villa's squad if they are to continue their rise up the table."