Aston Villa face competition from West Ham for Sam Johnstone’s signature so should they consider Brighton’s Tim Krul instead?
Aston Villa are still waiting to find out if they can sign Sam Johnstone from Manchester United on a permanent basis this summer.
Johnstone has spent the past season-and-a-half on loan at Villa Park and has impressed and manager Steve Bruce has made no secret of the fact he wants to land the goalkeeper permanently.
However, as football.london reports, West Ham United are considering a move for the 25-year-old with Joe Hart expected to return to Manchester City after his own unsuccessful loan spell and Adrian also tipped to leave the London Stadium.
Other options
Villa’s position in persuading Johnstone to join them rather than the Hammers may depend largely on if they can secure promotion from the Championship this season, with them preparing to take on Middlesbrough in a two-legged semi-final.
If they do miss out on the stopper then perhaps they should look to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tim Krul – who is about to become a free agent and has admitted he is unsure whether he will remain with the Seagulls.
“We are safe now [from relegation from the Premier League], so the talks will start this week hopefully. I am expecting some news. I’ve heard some positive noises from the club’s perspective, but nothing has changed,” Krul told the Argus.
“I’m 30, I’m fitter than I’ve ever been, this is the level I want to be playing at, but that’s part and parcel of being a goalkeeper.
“There’s only one that can play and Maty’s [Ryan] done well this season. I’m not silly to not see that, but I’m at a high level at the moment.”
Krul may have been limited to cup competitions for Brighton this term but is a hugely experienced ‘keeper in English football having made 185 appearances for former club Newcastle United.
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