Aston Villa were dealt a blow as it was rumoured that West Brom were considering a move for keeper Sam Johnstone.

The 24-year old is only on-loan at Villa Park with Manchester United having a recall option available to them in January and rumours suggested Villa's West Midlands rivals would make a move for him.

Whilst that may not materialise now that Tony Pulis has left The Hawthorns, Villa have clearly had to put together a plan in case they couldn't keep Johnstone for the season and according to The Sun, Karl Darlow is the keeper they would turn too.

The ex-Forest stopper played 34 times for the Magpies as they won promotion to the Premier League last season but hasn't featured at all this season and is behind Rob Elliot under Rafa Benitez.

Therefore, he may be available in January and would welcome the chance to play regular football under Steve Bruce should Johnstone move on.

Equally so, Newcastle are said to be willing to sell should they get the right price in the window.

The Verdict

Losing Sam Johnstone would be a big blow as he has performed very well at Villa since he made the move, however Darlow is a sensible alternative should the worst happen.

The 27-year old has plenty of experience in the Championship and would settle in very easily to Villa's squad.

It's not a position that you can gamble with if you are after promotion, so fans will be pleased to see that the club are already making moves if they lose Johnstone and Darlow is a pretty solid option.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.