I'm sure a lot of Aston Villa fans will agree that their recent run of imposing form will have lifted the spirits around the whole club; from the backroom staff, players and, of course, the supporters.

There has still been one thing which has bugged me despite the success enjoyed in the last few weeks, and that is, what position does manager Steve Bruce desperately need to enhance during the upcoming transfer window?

It is always important to learn your targets early on, possibly before the season has ended.

The only position the boss needs to dwell over is that man who stands between the sticks - the goalkeeper.

Since enduring relegation to the second-tier for the first time since 1989, a quality 'keeper has been the department Villa have lacked in.

Pierluigi Gollini was extremely hit and miss within the first couple of months of this campaign, and whilst he is still young so has years to develop, loaning him out was the correct decision.

The man Bruce brought in has been impeccable since his arrival, vastly becoming a fan favourite amongst the Aston Villa faithful.

Sam Johnstone has featured on 15 occasions for the Midlands outfit and has kept 7 clean sheets - almost half.

In fact, all of those shut-outs have come in his previous eight outings, as of writing this, and conceded just one goal during that time.

I think Johnstone's market valuation of £425,000 is very realistic and there are obvious difficult challenges to overcome in order to permanently welcome him to Villa Park.

The 24-year-old's parent club, Manchester United, were very reluctant to ship him out in the first place during the January transfer window, but eventually agreed in the end.

I honestly can't see why the Premier League side would want him as they currently have two quality goalkeepers at the club.

Saying that, Sam Johnstone's contract at Old Trafford expires this summer which would just be Aston Villa's luck; getting a top-half Championship quality 'keeper for bargain, absolutely nothing - although there would be a tribunal fee to be paid as that comes with his age.

It really is a no brainer for both parties, and especially for Villa.

Tying him down to a long-term deal at the club may just be the difference between automatic promotion and the play-offs next season.

Aston Villa fans, is £425,000 a fair price? Is the defence or Sam Johnstone to praise for your recent turn in form? What other goalkeepers could Steve Bruce turn to?