Whittingham Signs.

The 21-year-old has joined the Rams for a period of three months, and comes just 24 hours after the capture of Khalilou Fadiga from Bolton Wanderers.

Midfielder Whittingham watched the 1-1 draw with Coventry City before putting pen to paper on the switch to Pride Park.

He has started three Premiership games this season for Villa and is also an England U21 international, for whom he scored twice in the recent 4-0 win over Wales U21.

Whittingham made his Villa debut in the 2002/03 season and has two club goals to his name as well as a winner’s medal in the FA Youth Cup.

He spent time on loan in the Championship with Burnley last season, and while with the Clarets he played in February’s 1-1 draw at Pride Park.

Villa have a 24-hour recall clause in the deal for Whittingham, who has been given the number three shirt at Derby, but that only becomes active after the end of his first month.

Although Rams boss Phil Brown has already landed Whittingham and Senegal international Fadiga, he is still keen to boost his squad further ahead of Sunday’s visit of Southampton.

Talks regarding a loan deal for Coventry striker Stern John are still ongoing.