Aston Villa 'told to pay £6.5m for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone'

Manchester United have reportedly informed Aston Villa that they must pay £6.5m if they are to sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at Villa Park and recently admitted that he is keen to continue playing football on a regular basis.

Villa boss Steve Bruce also revealed earlier in the season that he will attempt to bring in Johnstone full-time in the summer, and The Sun suggests that United are prepared to sell.

After taking up a 12-month contract extension in the Englishman's contract last week, the Red Devils are hoping for an offer from the Villans at the end of the campaign.

Johnstone has previously spent time on loan with Preston North End, Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Walsall, Scunthorpe United and Oldham Athletic.