Manchester United are keen to extend the contract of Aston Villa target Sam Johnstone, according to ClubCall.
What’s the word?
Villa manager Steve Bruce has made no secret of the fact that the Midlands outfit want to sign Johnstone on a permanent deal.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been on loan at Villa Park since January, and that agreement was extended to the entirety of the 2017-18 season.
Johnstone’s current contract expires next summer, and ClubCall reports that United want to trigger a 12-month option in order to gain a fee if and when they sell him.
What’s the problem?
If the Premier League giants extend the shot-stopper’s deal then Villa will be unable to agree a free transfer, which is the more desirable option for the Championship club.
It would make it that much more frustrating if Johnstone is keen to make his stay at the Midlands outfit permanent.
Since signing for the Villans, the goalkeeper has made 34 league appearances and has started every one of the club’s 13 Championship games this season.
At United, he will struggle for game time given that David de Gea holds the number one spot, with Sergio Romero not far behind him.
Johnstone has proven to be a strong figure between the sticks for Villa, so they should not turn down the opportunity to sign him even if a fee is involved.
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