Aston Villa want Manchester United stopper Sam Johnstone on permanent deal after impressive start
Villans boss Steve Bruce confirms interest in loanee, who has kept five clean sheets this season
ASTON VILLA are keen to make Sam Johnstone's loan deal permanent in January.
The Manchester United youngster is enjoying his second short-term spell with the Villans - keeping five clean sheets so far this season.
And boss Steve Bruce is keen to agree terms with United for Johnstone, 24.
He said: “It would be great to keep him here for the next few years as Villa’s No1.
“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 joined Villa in January after struggling for first-team chances at Old Trafford.
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David de Gea, Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira are ahead of the England Under-20s stopper in the pecking order.
And after being sent out on TEN loan moves while not playing a single game for United, Johnstone may decide his future lies elsewhere.
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The academy graduate's contract runs out at the end of the season and Bruce will look to secure a cut-price deal.
Villa are seventh in the Championship table - just one point from the play-off spots - as they aim to secure a Premier League return.