Aston Villa want to keep hold of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Johnstone has impressed since re-joining Villa on a season long loan, having spent the second half of last season with the Villans.

The former England Under-21 international has a number of keepers in front of him in the pecking order at Old Trafford, but is first choice for Bruce, who is keen on turning his deal permanent in January.

“It would be great to keep him here for the next few years as Villa's No.1," said Bruce.

“I will need to ask the question. The ideal move for us would be to buy him in January. You've seen it, a young goalkeeper coming in and getting better with every game he plays.

“The difference in him since he's started in January to now is light years. He's confident, playing every week and he's playing real football."