Aston Villa facing battle for Sam Johnstone

Reports over the weekend claimed United may well be willing to let the 24-year-old depart on a permanent deal.

Johnstone is currently fourth choice at Old Trafford behind Sergio Romero, Joel Pereira and No.1 David De Gea, with United expected to bring in another big name should the latter leave for Real Madrid this summer.

Villa boss Steve Bruce has already held talks with United counterpart Jose Mourinho over Johnstone, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Villa Park. But while Villa hope the promise of regular first-team football will prove tempting to Johnstone, it is claimed the player’s representatives are in discussions with as many as seven clubs, with Leicester and Sunderland the latest to show an interest.

Long-serving Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan has, meanwhile, emerged as a possible Villa target.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who has spent more than a decade with the Potters, is expected to see less playing time at the Britannia Stadium following the arrival of Darren Fletcher from Albion.

Bruce is in the market for experienced Premier League players to strengthen Villa’s squad.