Aston Villa want to extend Sam Johnstone’s stay with the club.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has told the club’s official website that he intends to meet with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho to discuss an extended deal for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Villa landed a goalkeeper last summer in Pierluigi Gollini, but the Italian was sent back to Italy in January as he joined Atalanta on loan – and Bruce moved to land Johnstone in his place.
The 23-year-old shot stopper has come up through the ranks at Old Trafford, but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils having spent the majority of his time out on loan.
After two loan spells with hometown club Preston North End, Johnstone has moved on loan to Villa until the end of the season, and is finally starting to show his worth after a slow start to life at Villa Park.
The former England Under-21 international was guilty of making a number of mistakes in his early appearances for Villa, but he has turned a corner in recent weeks, serving up a man of the match performance in the 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic last weekend.
Johnstone’s loan deal will expire in just eight games, and with Gollini set to spend the whole of next with Atalanta too, Villa have a decision to make in goal.
Whilst Johnstone won’t be displacing David De Gea as United’s first-choice goalkeeper next season, manager Jose Mourinho may well want to have a close look at Johnstone throughout pre-season to determine his role for next term.
Aston Villa’s Sam Johnstone celebrates
Villa boss Bruce has now told the club’s official website that he intends to meet with Mourinho to discuss a possible summer deal, whether that’s an extension to Johnstone’s loan deal or a potential permanent move.
“I am going to see Mr Mourinho,” said Bruce. “Everyone agrees that Sam needed to go and play football. The difference between him now and three months ago is there for all to see. He’s grown into the role. He’s now more comfortable in the role – and he’s got that from playing.”
“We have given him that platform to play. If there’s an opportunity that we can get him to play more next season I would love to do it. I will be having that conversation with Mr Mourinho when the time is right. But I hope we can extend it,” he added.
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