Middlesbrough have launched a seven-figure bid for Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to TeamTalk.
The football news outlet details that Boro are ready to offer a £5million deal to the Old Trafford giants for the 24-year-old, with £2.5million being paid initially and the rest of the deal being paid in add-ons.
However, it is also detailed that a number of other English second tier sides are eyeing the young goalkeeper, specifically naming both Leeds and Aston Villa.
The Yorkshire giants’ reported interest comes from a claim in the Daily Mail earlier in the month which stated that they were keeping a close eye on him, while the TeamTalk report states that Villa had looked to be closing in on a permanent deal for Johnstone following his loan in the last campaign.
But, it looks like former Leeds manager Garry Monk could be about to win the signature of Johnstone after making their move.
The ex-England Under-20 international has never made a senior appearance for Manchester United with the majority of his professional career to date spent on loan at various Football League clubs.
However, with one-year left on his contract he could finally be set for a permanent move away from Old Trafford and last season he showed his ability by keeping eight clean sheets in 21 matches for Aston Villa, while conceding just 24 times.