Aston Villa poised to seal Sam Johnstone signing

The 24-year-old is expected to agree a season-long loan at Villa Park, having been left out of United’s pre-season tour to the USA.

Johnstone has not been short of suitors, with Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Premier League Watford thought to have been among a host of clubs in the hunt for his signature.

But the one-time Walsall loanee is set to rejoin Villa, where he made 22 appearances during the second half of last season while on loan from United.

The ability of Villa boss Steve Bruce to offer Johnstone guaranteed first-team football has been a key factor in the deal.

Bruce quickly identified the youngster as his top target and held talks with United boss Jose Mourinho before the end of last season. England No.1 Joe Hart was identified as a serious, if unlikely, alternative.

Discussing Johnstone during Villa’s pre-season training camp in Portugal, Bruce said: “Sam is an outstanding young goalkeeper. Towards the back end he looked the real deal. He can only get better.”

"He needed the games to start with.

“But the way he finished, it convinced me that he will be a really good signing if we can make it.”

Bruce has meanwhile been handed a further boost with the news Mile Jedinak is expected to return to training this week.

The influential midfielder did not travel to Portugal after undergoing surgery on a long-standing groin injury but will join up with the rest of the squad when they return to the UK later this week.

Meanwhile, Sevilla’s £8million move for 23-year-old left-back Jordan Amavi could be completed today.

The 23-year-old left-back left Portugal on Friday night and travelled to Spain to undergo a medical after the two clubs agreed a fee.