Aston Villa have been dealt a blow as according to reports, Manchester United intend on activating a one year option on goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s contract to prevent him from leaving for free next summer.
The 24 year old Johnstone is a product of the United youth development ranks but is yet to make a first team appearance for the club.
He has had various loan spells with the likes of Scunthorpe United, Wallsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End before spending 2017 on loan with Villa.
Johnstone’s contract at Old Trafford was set to expire at the end of the year and United will now activate a one year option in his contract to keep him for another season.
Johnstone’s first team chances at United look slim given that Jose Mourinho’s side boast the likes of David de Gea and Sergio Romero, who are among the world’s best keepers. As a result, Villa may look to buy him outright.
