Aston Villa target Sam Johnstone: Manchester United goalkeeper set to be Steve Bruce’s first January signing after agreeing a loan move
Bruce agrees deal to bring promising Old Trafford youngster to Villa Park until the end of the season
STEVE BRUCE is going back to Manchester United to sign keeper Sam Johnstone for Aston Villa.
Bruce has agreed a loan deal for respected reserve Johnstone who will be his number one at Villa Park.
Johnstone has been on loan before in his Old Trafford career but this will be his biggest club yet and could lead to a permanent switch.
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Bruce has been unhappy with his two keepers and Johnstone will go into the side.
Pierluigi Gollini was brought in from Hellas Verona in summer and competes with Mark Bunn for the number one spot, while Jed Steer has been ruled out for months.
Johnstone has been left on the fringes at United this season after a successful spell at Preston. Wigan were also keen but Villa won the race for him.
The Villa chief wants to shake up his side and is also after a new striker, a centre half and midfielder. But a couple will also leave.
Bruce is said to be competing with Derby for the signing of Middlesbrough striker Jordan Rhodes while Rudy Gestede could head in the other direction with Aitor Karanka keen to bring him to the Riverside.