Manchester United keeper Johnstone is on a season-long loan at Villa Park until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has impressed between the sticks, keeping 10 clean sheets in 25 Championship appearances this term. 

Bruce previously said the club will “do everything in our power” to seal a permanent swoop. 

But Johnstone is attracting interest from West Brom and it was reported over the weekend that a £4million fee had been agreed between the two clubs. 

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Speaking after Villa’s 5-0 rout of Bristol City, Bruce said: “Well I spoke to Jose two days ago and I would have thought he would have mentioned something.

“I sincerely hope not. I haven't heard anything.

“We certainly don’t want it to happen.”

United have an option to recall Johnstone this month as part of Johnstone’s loan terms.

He is out of contract at the end of the season but Old Trafford chiefs have reportedly activated a clause to extend his deal for a further season. 

Meanwhile, the Express and Star are reporting that Johnstone has ‘told close friends’ that he is ‘heading to The Hawthorns’.

Alan Pardew fancies landing the Preston-born stopper as a successor for Boaz Myhill, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

But strengthening West Brom’s attacking options is top of his agenda.