Manchester United transfer news: Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone ‘on Aston Villa radar’ but Tony Xia denies talks
Claret and Blues chairman Xia took to social media to deny that discussions have taken place over the young stopper
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ASTON VILLA are reportedly keen on Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
New Villa boss Steve Bruce is thought to be keen on raiding his former club for the 23-year-old gloveman in January.
But despite the links with Johnstone, Villa chairman Tony Xia insists Johnstone is not a player to be discussed yet with his new gaffer.
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Johnstone has been farmed out on eight separate occasions in the last five seasons - most recently at Preston last term.
But he penned a fresh Red Devils deal last week that could take his stay at the club to 15 years if he were to see it out.
However, claim that Bruce wants to prise Johnstone away from his former club in the next transfer window.
Pierluigi Gollini, 21, joined the Claret and Blues last summer but has made a shaky start to life back in England.
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And Gollini - who also had a spell on the books of Man Utd as a youngster - is the man Villa chief Xia is desperate to see come good.
The 21-year-old Italian was dropped by former boss Roberto Di Matteo but impressed after being recalled by Bruce for Saturday's 1-1 derby draw with rivals Wolves.
Xia has tweeted to suggest that a loan move may be off the table as he sees little point in developing the talents of another club's young keeper when he has a decent one on his own books.
Xia said: "Have to make it clear even didn't talk to SB about this.
"But Y w'd rather not giving chances2our own young man but other club's youngsters?
"The reason I have to say this? It's unfair to @piergollo!"
