Aston Villa are hoping to land Sam Johnstone from Manchester United.
Aston Villa loanee Sam Johnstone
Aston Villa are hoping to secure the permanent signing of Sam Johnstone from Manchester United, with The Sun reporting manager Steve Bruce was set to hold talks with Jose Mourinho.
Villa’s hopes could get a potential boost from United’s commitment to Johnstone’s young rival Joel Pereira.
The Mail reported last night that United are set to hand the 20-year-old goalkeeper a contract extension.
Jose Mourinho is high on Pereira’s potential, and believes he is the future Portugal number one.
Manchester United’s Sergio Romero, Joel Pereira and David De Gea
Pereira made his debut for United in the FA Cup earlier this season and is being fast tracked behind David de Gea and Sergio Romero.
With Pereira edging towards the first team, Johnstone is in the process being squeezed out, and as high as United rate him, a move to Aston Villa makes sense for all parties.
Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone celebrates
The 24-year-old signed for Villa on loan in January, replacing ex-United academy keeper Pierluigi Gollini, who Steve Bruce sent out on an 18 month loan to Atalanta.
United could decide to kick the decision over Johnstone further down the tracks and simply sanction a loan deal for another season.
Even if United sell David de Gea, United are well covered with Sergio Romero and funds will also be made available.
Their faith in Pereira is a sure sign Johnstone is expendable.
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