Aston Villa could lose out on the Manchester United shot-stopper to Middlesbrough.
Aston Villa could miss out on the permanent signing of Sam Johnstone, with The Sun reporting that Manchester United are ready to sell the former Villans loanee to Middlesbrough for £2.5 million.
With Mark Bunn out of contract and Pierluigi Gollini due to spend the 2017-18 season with Atalanta, Villa are at risk of starting pre-season with Jed Steer their only senior option between the sticks.
Aston Villa’s Jed Steer
However, should they fail to lure Johnstone back to Villa Park, here are three options Steve Bruce’s side could consider instead, without exceeding the fee they would have paid for the 24-year-old.
John Ruddy [Unattached]
Released by Norwich City after seven years, Ruddy can be snapped up, officially, as early as this Saturday. The 30-year-old didn’t have the best of campaigns last time out, but boasts over a century of appearances at Premier League level and has even been capped by England.
Allan McGregor [Hull City]
Having played under Bruce at Hull, McGregor was linked with a move to Villa during the January transfer window, but ended up at Cardiff City instead. And while he is now back at the KCOM Stadium, the 35-year-old’s contract there expires next summer and it’s plausible he could be allowed to leave on the cheap this summer. Villa may have to move fast, though, with the Scot’s hometown team Hearts among those keen, according to The Edinburgh Evening News.
Eldin Jakupovic [Hull City]
Another former Bruce player, Jakupovic established himself as a regular towards the back end of Hull’s ill-fated Premier League campaign. The BBC reported earlier this month that the Swiss is in talks over a £2 million move to Leicester City, although he would surely only be a back up there. Provided Hull are willing to sell to a league rival, Villa’s ability to offer regular first team football could give them a chance.
Which of the above ‘keepers would you like Aston Villa to sign?
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