Sam Johnstone appears to favour a permanent move to Aston Villa from Manchester United.
Sam Johnstone in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Aston Villa may have been given a boost in their pursuit of signing Sam Johnstone on a permanent transfer from Manchester United as the goalkeeper speaks publicly about it for the first time.
Manager Steve Bruce has made no secret of the fact that he wants to bring Johnstone, who is currently on a season long loan from the Red Devils, to Villa Park on a permanent basis.
Steve Bruce, manager of Aston Villa, during the Sky Bet Championship match against Bristol City.
“We will do everything in our power to get him here permanently,” Bruce was quoted by the Express.
“He is going to find it difficult at United to break through because of what they have got so we are hopeful.”
Aston Villa goalkeeper Sam Johnstone celebrates his team’s opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match against Burton Albion.
That is because they believe they can still get around £5m out of Villa for the 24-year-old’s services – something which may prove complicated for the Midlands outfit as they are on the cusp of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
Yet speaking ahead of the derby clash with Birmingham City this weekend, Johnstone appears to suggest he wants the move to the Villans to be finalised.
“I’m here until the end of the season and I’m just happy playing at the moment,” the stopper told Sky Sports.
“Whether it’s in January or summer I don’t know, but the rest of it will take care of itself.”
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