Celtic should join race to sign Aston Villa loanee Sam Johnstone

Follow us on Google Discover

Three Premier League sides are said to be chasing the Aston Villa stopper on loan from Manchester United, but surely Celtic should join chase?

Three Premier League sides have reportedly entered the fray to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone – who is currently on loan at Aston Villa – but surely Celtic should join the chase for his signature?

The 24-year-old has dazzled fans at Villa Park with a number of eye-catching saves and performances, which has in turn attracted the interest of West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, according to the Daily Mirror.

Now in the final year of his contract with Jose Mourinho’s side, his form in the Championship is likely to have clubs come calling for the commanding stopper who has kept nine clean sheets in just 22 second-tier outings.

Brendan Rodgers has to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper and admit handing Craig Gordon a new three-year deal in March was a mistake, as the veteran Scotland international has since struggled between the sticks.

The former Sunderland ace was arguably guilty for two of Hearts goals during the Jam Tarts’ 4-0 win over the Hoops to end Rodgers’ 69-match unbeaten run last Saturday.

Kyle Lafferty’s tame, long-range effort bounced past Gordon before he gave away a penalty which saw Manuel Malinkovic grab his second of the match. With the Europa League knockout stages on the horizon, surely a new keeper is needed.

The report claims Johnstone is valued at £5million and that figure is well within Celtic’s reach, after competing in the Champions League group stages for a second successive season.

Rodgers has had success in bringing players from the Championship into his side, with Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair both shining in Glasgow after being signed from Fulham and Aston Villa respectively.

All areas point to Celtic joining the Premier League trio in the hunt for Johnstone, as they desperately need to replace a goalkeeper that is on the decline and will only begin to hinder the Hoops’ performances.