Aston Villa are closing in on re-signing Sam Johnstone on loan, according to Sky Sports News HQ.

Plenty have clubs have shown an interest in Sam Johnstone this summer but it looks like Aston Villa will win the race for his services.

With David De Gea and Sergio Romero ahead of him in the pecking order at Manchester United, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was sent out on loan to Aston Villa last January.

After a shaky start to life in B6, Johnstone soon established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the division, keeping eight clean sheets in 22 games.

His top performances helped Aston Villa to climb away from the relegation zone and into the comfort of mid-table and they will be hoping he can keep this form up to mount a promotion challenge next season.

Owing to last season's form, Sam Johnstone earned admirers from the Premier League and the Championship, which initially dented Aston Villa's chances of landing him again.

Due to financial restrictions, Aston Villa are only able to sign him on loan again rather than complete a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old is considered to be Steve Bruce's top transfer target at the moment as he tries to get this deal over the line quickly.

Joel Pereira was taken on Manchester United's pre-season trip to the United States instead of the former England youth international so a move to Aston Villa could go through imminently.

Aston Villa fans - how pleased would you be with this deal if it goes through? Let us know below...