West Brom have shown interest on Manchester United keeper, Sam Johnstone, who’s out on loan at Aston Villa. Their main motivation behind the goalkeeper’s pursuit is to provide stiff competition to the Baggies’ first choice custodian, Ben Foster.
The Sun are reporting that West Brom are eyeing a surprise swoop of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who’s currently on loan at the Championship club, Aston Villa. The Baggies have identified him to be an ideal candidate to push Ben Foster for a place in the starting line-up. The 22-year-old could end his loan spell early as the Preston born goalkeeper has a recall option in January.
It is also being reported that West Brom are set to launch a bid in the region of £5million when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Manchester United goalkeeper has put in some impressive performances during his two spells at Villa Park, which has garnered a lot of plaudits. Aston Villa boss and former Manchester United player, Steve Bruce has also spoken about making the move permanent.
But now that the Premier League clubs are in for him after his rich vein of form this season, it looks likely that the goalkeeper will soon leave Villa Park to gain some invaluable Premier League experience. Sam Johnstone has already gone out on loan to seven different clubs during his time at Manchester United.
His departure is sure to leave a huge gap at Villa Park, with the Sun also reporting that Steve Bruce has been monitoring Karl Darlow at Newcastle. The 27-year-old is behind Rob Elliot and have seen his first-team chances become limited. He could be allowed to leave if the price is right.
Sam Johnstone has always struggled to gain enough first-team chances at Old Trafford, mainly due to the world-class goalkeeping abilities of David De Gea. He joined Aston Villa in January and the Villains’ manager is keen to discuss terms with Manchester United for Johnstone.
He said, “It would be great to keep him here for the next few years as Villa’s No. 1. I will need to ask the question. The ideal move for us would be to buy him in January. You’ve seen it, a young goalkeeper coming in and getting better with every game he plays. The difference in him since he’s started in January to now is light years. He’s confident, playing every week and he’s playing real football.”
It is clear that Sam Johnstone’s stock has risen significantly over the years and now, he might finally be able to make a permanent switch to a club where he will get regular first-team football.
