Aston Villa confirm return of Manchester United's Sam Johnstone

The 24-year-old was boss Steve Bruce’s No.1 goalkeeping target after impressing while on loan at Villa Park during the second half of last season.

“I am delighted to be back,” said Johnstone, who will wear the No.1 shirt. “I really enjoyed my last spell here – it’s a great club with top players and passionate fans.

“I can’t wait to get started now. I believe it can be a special season for all of us and I will be working hard each and every day to produce the kind of performances that will help us achieve what we’re aiming for.”

Highly-rated Johnstone was not short of suitors this summer with Leeds, Middlesbrough and Premier League Watford among a host of clubs thought to have been among a host of clubs interested in his services.

But the promise of guaranteed first-team football at Villa proved decisive in his decision.

Johnstone made 22 appearances for the club last term and was among their strongest performers in the final weeks of the campaign, at one point keeping seven clean sheets in eight games. He is likely to make his pre-season bow in Saturday's friendly at Shrewsbury Town.