Villa could have signed Johnstone in the summer

Aston Villa could have signed goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal over the summer.

According to The Birmingham Mail, the timing of Villa’s takeover prevented them from making a move for the shot-stopper.

The report claims that Villa would have been able to secure a deal for Johnstone had the takeover been finalised a few weeks earlier than what it was.

Johnstone ended up signing for Villa’s Championship rivals West Brom instead, where he has had an impressive start to the season.

Villa had Johnstone on loan for 18 months in the Championship from Manchester United and was a key player for Steve Bruce’s plans.

Orjan Nyland has been brought in as Villa’s new number one but is already under fire after a shaky start to the season.

The Norweigan goalkeeper has been at fault for a number of goals this season in the Championship and is yet to find his best form.