By Amir Mir
Aston Villa are reportedly set to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan – and fans on Twitter don’t understand the logic behind the deal.
The Telegraph claim that manager Steve Bruce is set to make the 23-year-old his first signing and is in line to complete a deal this month before the January window opens.
Villa’s number one shot stopper is Pierluigi Gollini, but the 21-year-old has been coming under some flak from supporters for his performances.
As reports stated that Bruce could replace the young Italian, one fan was pleased with news by stating he would be a fantastic capture.
But others questioned why the Championship side need to sign Johnstone, in particular on a loan deal.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Supporters on social media believe if Bruce is to sign a keeper then he must purchase one with more experience than Johnstone.
Additionally, one fan did question whether the reported deal to bring Johnstone to Villa Park will turn into a permanent move.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Johnstone, Jenkinson and McCarthy would actually be fantastic for us in January. Hope there is something behind the rumours. #AVFC
— Phil Roberts (@iamVilla) December 12, 2016
I like Johnstone and that, but why do we need a new keeper? Especially on loan? #avfc
— Stefan🌹 (@StefanEvans21) December 11, 2016
Jenkinson would be an upgrade on Hutton for sure, decent going forward too and needs game time, not sure why we'd need Johnstone #avfc
— The Villa Wiki (@AVFCWiki) December 11, 2016
Don’t get the Johnstone rumours either. Surely we need experience if looking to replace Gollini? #AVFC
— Benji 17 (@benjinat17) December 11, 2016
Sam Johnstone on loan? Will he be number 1? Dont see the point of the move otherwise. #AVFC
— Purslow's Pursestrings (@AVFCTransTweet) December 10, 2016
don't get the point of this one for any party involved
— Gareth Watkins (@gwatkins100) December 10, 2016
is this a loan with a view 2 a permanent move?
— David Wilde (@avfc_david) December 11, 2016
Johnstone is yet to make a senior appearance at Old Trafford, but the former England under-20 international is highly regarded at the Premier League club.
He had a successful loan spell at Preston North End last season when he helped Simon Grayson’s side earn promotion from League One.
Now it seems former Manchester United captain Bruce has gone back to his old roots in order to solve his goalkeeping options.
In other Aston Villa news, this senior player has responded to reports linking him with a January move to Marseille.