Steve Bruce wants to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in a permanent deal worth around £3million.

Bruce, the Aston Villa manager, has opened talks with United and is attempting to persuade Jose Mourinho into agreeing Johnstone’s departure from Old Trafford.

Johnstone has impressed on loan under Bruce and is attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs including Everton, Bournemouth and Sunderland.

But Villa are keen to push through a deal for the 24-year-old before the end of the season and are in negotiations with United over a potential sale.

Johnstone became Bruce’s first signing in January and, after a difficult start, has produced a number of excellent performances in the Championship, keeping five clean sheets in the last six games.