Bruce confirms desire to sign Johnstone permanently
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that he is keen to secure the services of Sam Johnstone from Manchester United on a permanent basis.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, the Villa boss reiterated his side’s intention to tie down the goalkeeper permanently, as he continues to impress on loan.
It would be great to keep him here for the next few years as Villa’s number one. 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.
Johnstone joined Villa on a loan deal until the end of last season in January at the start of the year, and caught the eye with some impressive performances.
As a result of this, Bruce took the decision to pursue the 24-year-old once again, and United were willing to let him leave on yet another loan deal for the season ahead.
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.
The shot stopper has already picked up a relatively impressive five clean sheets this season for Villa, and with his contract expiring in June next year, a permanent move appears to be within the realms of possibility.