Are Villa clear to sign Johnstone as West Brom reportedly eye Bond?

Follow us on Google Discover

Midlands rivals Aston Villa and West Brom were expected to go head-to-head to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the summer.

Peterborough United fans must be counting down the minutes until the transfer window slams shut.

Because after a month of relentless speculation surrounding prolific striker Jack Marriott and wing wonder Marcus Maddison, the Mirror (live transfer blog, 1.49pm) is reporting that on-loan goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is now also attracting interest.

The England under-21 ‘keeper has shone at London Road since arriving on loan from Reading and it is understood that he is a target for both West Brom and Derby County. Although fear not Posh fans; Bond will only be making a move in the summer.

But another side higher up the football pyramid, Aston Villa, should also be keeping a close eye on this developing story.

Because if West Brom are suddenly targeting a deal for Bond, this may just suggest that Villa’s hopes of landing Sam Johnstone permanently from Manchester United at the end of the season have been given a boost.

The Sun states that the Baggies were keen on Johnstone as a possible long-term replacement for Ben Foster and were willing to pay up to £4 million.

The Birmingham Mail states that Villa too are keen to keep the highly-rated shot-stopper for the long-term, but it is likely they could only afford to do a deal if they are promoted to the Premier League this season.

If West Brom bring in Bond, however, Villa will be hopeful of avoiding a Midlands-based tug-of-war for Johnstone in a few months.