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Aston Villa: Possible alternatives after missing out on Sam Johnstone

By Phil Newman

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Hotspur scores the opening goal past Jed Steer of Aston Villa during the Capital One Cup third round match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on September 24, 2013 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Hotspur scores the opening goal past Jed Steer of Aston Villa during the Capital One Cup third round match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on September 24, 2013 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is reportedly on his way to Middlesbrough. Last season, Johnstone impressed at Aston Villa following a January loan move. Here are some possible goalkeeping alternatives.

Oof. Aston Villa receive one piece of good news (Terry signing) and one bad (Johnstone not signing) in the span of 24 hours.

Should this news turn to be true, Aston Villa will open pre-season with exactly one senior goalkeeper in the squad – Jed Steer, who tore his achilles back in November. 19-year old Montenegro youth international Matija Sarkic is on the books too, but he has yet to make his debut.

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Mark Bunn is out of contract, and so far, no discussions have taken place regarding a return to Villa Park. Bunn’s departure signals Steve Bruce is comfortable with Steer handling deputy duties behind a new number one goalkeeper.

Likewise, long-time Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy is out of contract starting July 1st. The former England international lost his spot to Declan Rudd with the Canaries. Ruddy wouldn’t be the most inspired signing, but he has Premier League and Championship experience. Moreover, he’s a free agent.

Hull City’s Eldin Jakupovic will forever be linked to Steve Bruce after an impressive display years ago. Jakupovic was linked to Leicester City this week – presumably as a back-up to Kasper Schmeichel.

Brighton’s David Stockdale would have been an interesting signing given his free agent status, but he’s joining Birmingham City.

What does this do to Pierluigi Gollini? Gollini enters a one-year loan with Atalanta, but the Italian side brought Etrit Berisha back permanently. Gollini could handle Villa #1 duties again, but Steve Bruce is likely to think against this plan. Furthermore, it would require Atalanta cancelling the loan move.

Perhaps Championship rivals would sell given an equitable price. Queen Park Rangers’ Alex Smithies was linked to Bruce before Sam Johnstone’s loan move became official.

Next: Reports: John Terry to join Aston Villa

We hear Joe Hart desperately needs a club!

How about Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman? Would Rafa Benitez allow his prized goalkeeping prospect move away on-loan with the promise of first team action? He may only be 20, but Woodman is a star in the making. He remains buried behind Tim Krul, Rob Elliot, Matz Sels, and Karl Darlow.

It’s more likely Villa’s replacement goalkeeper comes from somewhere not listed above.

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