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Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone staying at Aston Villa, says Tony Xia

Sam Johnstone is on loan from Manchester United
Image: Sam Johnstone is on loan from Manchester United

Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will be staying on loan at Aston Villa, says the Sky Bet Championship club's owner Tony Xia.

Reports had emerged Johnstone, 24, could move to rivals West Brom during the January transfer window.

Villa manager Steve Bruce said he not made aware of any move to The Hawthorns for Johnstone in conversations with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho this week.

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Xia has also denied Johnstone will be cutting his spell at Villa Park short, revealing the player could yet secure a permanent switch to the club.

"He will be with us, hopefully we go up then he will be permanently," Xia said on Twitter. "I think Villa is his fortunate place."

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Highlights as Aston Villa thrashed Bristol City 5-0 on New Year's Day

Johnstone spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa, having joined in January, and kept eight clean sheets in 22 appearances for the club.

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He has continued his form in the current campaign, keeping 11 clean sheets in the league as he has remained Bruce's No 1.

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