Aston Villa winning the race for Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone

Talks are believed to be ongoing between the clubs over Johnstone – amid reports United rebuffed Wolves' interest in the 23-year-old over their treatment of current loanee Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

Borthwick-Jackson has been heavily restricted in game time and is set to return north in January after he was named among United's Europa League squad.

Johnstone, however, is highly thought of by United boss Jose Mourinho and is seen as a potential replacement for David de Gea should the Spaniard return to his homeland amid long-standing interest from Real Madrid.

Bruce is keen to beef up his goalkeeping options with 21-year-old Pierluigi Gollini in possession of the shirt and, with number two Mark Bunn injured, 19-year-old Matija Sarkic has been on the bench for the last two games.

Villa have also been linked with Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson on loan and Everton's out-of-favour midfielder James McCarthy, who is also thought to interest Albion.