Atalanta BC snap up Aston Villa goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini

Italian side Atalanta BC have taken up the option to sign Pierluigi Gollini from Aston Villa on a permanent basis.

The 23-year-old, who came through Manchester United's academy ranks, has spent the past 18 months on loan at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

Gollini has now joined Atalanta for good in a deal worth £3.75m, leaving Villa Park with 20 Championship appearances under his belt.

Villa are looking to offload unneeded players as they have a £40m deficit to make up if they are to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

Despite their financial concerns, Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone - their first-choice keeper during his loan stint this season - is understood to still be on the Villans' radar.