Is Jed Steer ready to replace Manchester United loanee Sam Johnstone at Championship giants Aston Villa?
Defeat to Fulham in the Championship play-off final meant more to Aston Villa than another season in English football’s third tier.
It also meant that loanees Sam Johnstone, Robert Snodgrass and Lewis Grabban would not be wearing the claret and blue again, with the club unable to afford permanent deals after failing to secure a return to the Premier League.
And, while the goals of Grabban and Snodgrass were crucial as Villa reached the Wembley showpiece, Johnstone will perhaps leave the biggest hole in Steve Bruce’s starting XI.
The 24-year-old Manchester United goalkeeper was arguably the best shot-stopper in the Championship last season, keeping 22 clean sheets as Villa finished fourth. But Johnstone looks set to play Premier League football next season with a number of top flight clubs linked already.
That said, Aston Villa fans do not necessarily believe the club needs to jump into the transfer market to find a replacement amid links with the likes of Costel Pantilimon (June 3, page 59).
Villa already have a talented goalkeeper on their books in 25-year-old Jed Steer, although he has played just seven games for the Midland giants since joining from Norwich City back in 2013.
25-year-old Steer, however, deserves his chance and might just get it with funds tight at Villa Park.
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