Sunderland are showing interest in Aston Villa loan star Sam Johnstone.

The Sun is reporting that Black Cats boss David Moyes has his eyes on the 24-year-old who has impressed for Villa during his loan stay from Manchester United.

Sunderland fear they may lose star gloveman Jordan Pickford if they are relegated this season and it is understood they see Johnstone as an apt replacement.

The former Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End keeper is behind David De Gea and Sergio Romero in the Old Trafford pecking order and could be off in the summer in search of regular first-team football.