Aston Villa clinch transfer with Premier League club that could rise to £2m - report

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on:

03 Jan 2017, 2:59 pm

By Alex Stevens

Sam Johnstone is heading to Aston Villa in what could be a loan-to-buy transfer, according to a report.

It has been widely reported that the Championship club are on the verge of signing the goalkeeper, 23, from Manchester United on loan for the rest of the season.

The Sun now claim that Johnstone's move to Villa Park is agreed and it "could become a full-time £2million switch", which could force Jose Mourinho to buy a new third-choice keeper.

United's main man is David de Gea, who is understudied by deputy Sergio Romero, with Johnstone also providing cover.

BBC journalist Pat Murphy revealed on Monday morning that Steve Bruce's side were close to completing a move for the United academy product.

The Sun report provides a fresh twist on the transfer as Bruce attempts to strengthen the goalkeeper position in his squad.

Summer signing Pierluigi Gollini has struggled since his £4million arrival and there have been reports in Italy that the 21-year-old could be headed back to his homeland.

Villa are set to be active in the January market as Bruce aims to bring the first players to the club since he took over as manager in October.

The former Premier League outfit lost ground in their bid to make an instant return to the top flight when they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to struggling Cardiff on Monday.

In other Aston Villa transfer news, the club are in advanced talks to seal a £6million striker deal.

Manchester United

Aston Villa