Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce confirms plans for transfer meeting with Manchester United’s Jose Mourinho

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Aston Villa are set to attempt to bring in Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in on a permanent transfer in January.

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has told the Birmingham Mail that he is still planning to hold transfer talks with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho in the near future.

Villa want to sign Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal from United, but they realise that complications could exist in any deal.

The Villans are working with the constraints of Financial Fair Play, which means that they have a limited budget to spend.

And Bruce admits that he needs to attempt to work out a deal with Mourinho for the United youngster.

“I really have not had the conversation with Jose (Mourinho),” Bruce said.

“It will be one for nearer the time.

“As I have said repeatedly now, we are under the guards of Financial Fair Play. We have to be very careful what we do.

“I think it will be the same in January.”

Johnstone is currently enjoying his second loan spell at Villa, and he is known to be one of the claret and blues’ priority transfer targets.

Johnstone has been in superb form in Villa’s goal this season, and looks to have the ability to be the Villans’ first choice stopper for many years ahead.

If Bruce could tie down Johnstone to a permanent deal in January that would be a major boost for the Midlands side, as they go for promotion.

Villa are currently in fifth place in the Championship table, after winning four of their last five league matches.