Steve Bruce is keen to turn Sam Johnstone’s loan into a permanent deal in January after a string of impressive performances between the sticks at Villa Park.
The Aston Villa manager brought the 24-year-old to the Championship on loan midway through last season and Johnstone has since extended his stay as he looks to help the West Midlands outfit earn promotion back to the Premier League.
After a rocky start, Villa have won four matches on the spin, moving up to seventh in the table to within just one point of the play-offs and five points off leaders Cardiff.
The Villans have conceded just one goal in their last six games in the Championship as they went unbeaten in September to give fans real hope that they can push on for promotion.
Johnstone has played a vital role in that run, making some fine saves, and Villa are now eyeing up a permanent move in January.
‘It would be great to keep him here for the next few years as Villa’s No. 1,’ Steve Bruce said.
‘I will need to ask the question. The ideal move for us would be to buy him in January.
‘You’ve seen it, a young goalkeeper coming in and getting better with every game he plays.
‘The difference in him since he’s started in January to now is light years. He’s confident, playing every week and he’s playing real football.’
Johnstone may favour a move away from Old Trafford due to the fact he’s unlikely to get too many first team opportunities at his parent club.
Jose Mourinho has David de Gea at his disposal and Johnstone may be best served staying at Villa to guarantee regular football.
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