Dean Smith should bring former favourite Sam Johnstone back to Aston Villa to conclude his goalkeeper search

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Aston Villa manager Dean Smith reportedly wants to bring a new goalkeeper to the club this summer. According to The Sun via HITC, goalkeeper is a priority position.

The Villans want to get rid of Lovre Kalinic, who joined last January, after he struggled to hold down his place between the sticks.

Orjan Nyland also had a disappointing season and that leaves Jed Steer as the only goalkeeper. Smith wants another player to compete with Steer for the goalkeeping spot.

Cardiff City star Neil Etheridge is reportedly a target. According to The Express and Star, Smith wants to reunite with the former Walsall stopper.

But Cardiff are holding out for a large fee and Aston Villa could be forced to look elsewhere. With other options limited, Sam Johnstone should be back on Aston Villa’s radar.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper spent one-and-a-half seasons on loan at Aston Villa and he became a firm fan favourite for his dominant performances.

Johnstone helped Aston Villa to the play-off final at Wembley, which ended in a 1-0 defeat against Fulham. After failing to win promotion, Aston Villa could not afford to re-sign the ex-England U21 stopper.

Instead, Johnstone moved to West Bromwich Albion. But one year later, Aston Villa should offer him the chance to play Premier League football.

The 26-year-old is vastly experienced at Championship level and ready to step up. Aston Villa fans already know and love Johnstone and he could help them stay in the Premier League.