According to The Mirror, Aston Villa are keen to sign Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal in the January transfer window.
Last January, Aston Villa snapped up Sam Johnstone on loan from Manchester United and he impressed with a string of clean sheets.
This summer, the Villains fought off Premier League interest to re-sign Johnstone on loan but now want to sign the talented stopper permanently.
The former England under-21 international is rated highly by Jose Mourinho, who has been reluctant to let him leave Old Trafford on a permanent deal in prior transfer windows.
However, with David De Gea, Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira ahead of him in the pecking order at Manchester United, it might be the time for the 25-year-old to move on for the sake of his career.
Johnstone is due to spend the rest of this campaign at Villa Park but Steve Bruce is desperate for him to commit to a permanent deal in the West Midlands.
The Villa 'keeper has five clean sheets in eleven matches so far this season and is growing in confidence.
“I will need to ask the question.
"The ideal move for us would be to buy him in January.
"You’ve seen it, a young goalkeeper coming in and getting better with every game he plays.
“The difference in him since he’s started in January to now is light years.
"He’s confident, playing every week and he’s playing real football.”
The Verdict
Sam Johnstone needs to force a move away from Manchester United at some point in the near future in order to make a name for himself at a permanent club.
Aston Villa is the ideal option for him because he is settled there, the fans like him and he has every chance of becoming a Premier League goalkeeper soon if he can help the Villains to promotion.
This move seems to suit all parties; it will now be down to whether a transfer fee can be agreed.
Aston Villa fans - Would you like Johnstone permanently? Let us know below...