Transfer Centre

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce: 'New signing imminent'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 07 July 2017

Steve Bruce hopes to see Sam Johnstone sign from Manchester United within the next 48 hours, as he continues to add to his Aston Villa squad.

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has said that he hopes to complete the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone by the end of the weekend.

The Villans have been in the market for a new stopper and recently emerged as the favourites to sign Johnstone, who has also attracted strong interest from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.

Johnstone impressed during a loan stint at Villa Park last season, keeping eight clean sheets in 22 matches, and he now appears to be on his way back - either on loan or permanently.

"We hope to be able to announce something in the next 24-48 hours if we can," Bruce is quoted as saying by the Birmingham Mail. "That would be ideal. It's no big secret that I am still hoping we can tie up Sam from Manchester United.

"I think that's still ongoing but ultimately we have to respect Manchester United. I know they go on tour on Sunday. We will see what develops in the next 24-48 hours."

Johnstone has failed to make the grade at United, instead being sent out on loan to the likes of Villa, Preston North End and Doncaster Rovers.