Aston Villa set for crunch talks with Manchester United over Sam Johnstone’s future

Aston Villa are eager to extend loanee goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s stay at Villa Park beyond the end of the season.

The Championship side, who currently sit 12th in the English second-tier standings following back-to-back victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan Athletic respectively, have been linked with signing the Manchester United shot stopper on a permanent deal this summer.

The 24-year-old, who is a former England Under-20 international, has kept five clean sheets in 17 appearances for the Villans so far this season following his arrival back in January.

Via the club’s official website, Villa manager Steve Bruce revealed he is meeting Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho to discuss the ‘keeper’s long-term future.

“I am going to see Mr Mourinho,” he said.

“Everyone agrees that Sam needed to go and play football. The difference between him now and three months ago is there for all to see.

“If there’s an opportunity that we can get him to play more next season I would love to do it.

“I will be having that conversation with Mr Mourinho when the time is right. But I hope we can extend it.”

Johnstone has been with United since 2009, but he has still failed to make his first-team appearance for the Premier League giants, being loaned out to the likes of Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End instead.