Reds shot stopper could turn Villan if club move up to big league

SAM Johnstone is staying at Aston Villa and could make his loan move permanent if they get promoted to the Premier League, according to club chairman Dr Tony Xia.

The United stopper is enjoying another productive spell at Villa Park and has made 48 appearances since first joining Steve Bruce’s side a year ago.

The 24-year-old has six months to run on his United contract, with the option of a further year, and faces stiff competition from Joel Pereira, Dean Henderson and Kieran O’Hara just to be the club’s third-choice goalkeeper if he ever returns to Old Trafford.

Johnstone has been linked with a move to West Brom, but Xia moved to reassure Villa fans that he was staying put. For now.

“Just like all stories to fill with newspaper space,” he wrote on Twitter.

“He will be with us, hopefully we go up then he will be permanently. I think Villa is his fortunate place.”

Villa boss Bruce has been in regular contact with Jose Mourinho about Johnstone’s progress and availability in the last year.

And the former United skipper also had no knowledge of claims Johnstone is on the his way to the Hawthorns.

“I spoke to Jose Mourinho two days ago and he never mentioned it,” he added.

“He’s not our player, of course, but we want him to stay. He’s very, very happy here. Let’s hope that’s the end of it.”

Fifth-placed Villa currently lie five points off the automatic promotion places in the Championship.