Manchester United have slapped a £6.5m price-tag on the head of on-loan keeper Sam Johnstone, with the ball now firmly in Steve Bruce's court if he wants the keeper permanently.

According to The Sun, the Red Devils took up another 12-month option on his contract last week and now they're looking for the seven-figure sum should he be coveted in the summer.

Aston Villa are bound to be interested, he's been in superb form for them this season as they've ascended the Championship table.

Johnson admitted last week he's enjoying his football, but no conversations have taken place regarding his future. Speaking to Birmingham Live he said:  "The truth is I've not spoken to anyone about it as of yet. My plan is to finish off this season and then see what Manchester United and Aston Villa's position is on the matter.  I want to keep playing football. I'm enjoying the number of games I'm playing."

Preston-born Johnstone has been at Manchester United since academy level and has had numerous spells out on loan, most notably at Doncaster and home-town club Preston. The 24-year old is in his second spell at Aston Villa and has previously spoken of his desire to play top-flight football.

Whether Aston Villa can make a transfer happens depends very much on how they finish this season. They have on eye on Financial Fair Play regulations which, if they fail to earn promotion, could scupper any move for the talented keeper.

The Verdict

Johnstone is a great keeper and he's been a revelation at Villa this season.

At 24 he's surely looking at the next step in his career and if he's unlikely to break through at United, it could mean a move away from Old Trafford. Whether the destination is Villa or not depends almost entirely on winning promotion this year.