EXCLUSIVE: Man Utd to recall keeper as £4m sale to West Brom looms

Manchester United are poised to recall goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from his loan spell at Aston Villa after West Brom reportedly agreed an undisclosed fee with West Brom.

The 24-year-old stopper joined Villa on loan for a second spell over the summer, but United included a recall clause in January should they receive an offer for the goalkeeper.

And sources have told TEAMtalk that West Brom are on the brink of a deal for the Manchester United custodian having agreed an undisclosed fee of around £4million for the former England U21 international.

West Brom’s interest in Johnstone dates back to the Tony Pulis era at The Hawthorns, but we understand his successor Alan Pardew will push through with the transfer, with the arrangement having already been put in place.

Sam Johnstone: Third in United pecking order

Although United rate Johnstone highly, he is behind David De Gea, Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira in the Old Trafford pecking order.

And with his contract due to expire in June, United have decided to cash in now once the window opens.

Our sources say the deal will go through early in January, with the player set to arrive at The Hawthorns and provide Ben Foster with strong cover and competition for the No 1 shirt at the club.

Johnstone would leave Villa in a good position.