Manchester United’s Sam Johnstone reportedly expected to leave, Celtic should be interested

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Manchester United are reportedly expecting Sam Johnstone to leave the club this summer.

Even with another Scottish Premiership – and possibly a domestic treble – on the horizon, Celtic will almost certainly be in the market for new signings this summer as they look to improve in Europe.

The Bhoys continue to thrive in Scotland under Brendan Rodgers, but two consecutive group stage exits in the Champions League, and this season’s Europa League capitulation at the hands of Zenit St Petersburg mean improving in Europe has to be a priority.

Manager Rodgers may look to strengthen a host of positions, but one of his priorities has to be resolving the club’s goalkeeping situation, after a late January move for Scott Bain was forced through after Craig Gordon’s injury.

In truth, all three of Celtic’s senior goalkeepers have question marks over them; Gordon wasn’t enjoying his best season to date before his injury, Bain is only on loan from Dundee before his contract expires, and Dorus De Vries is approaching 40 and may look to pursue one more shot at first-team football.

With that in mind, Celtic need to find their goalkeeper of the future this summer, and they should be keeping close tabs on Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who is currently out on loan at Aston Villa.

The Manchester Evening News report that United expect Johnstone to leave this summer, and whilst Villa may be pursuing a permanent move for the 25-year-old, Celtic can offer Champions League football and the chance to become the Bhoys’ number one for the next five to ten years.

Johnstone has impressed with Villa having spent the last year on loan at Villa Park, and with strong displays for hometown club Preston North End before that, he should be in demand if United do cash in this summer.

At 25, Johnstone now needs to settle down and play regularly, and Celtic – in need of a young goalkeeper with quality now and potential for the future – should be looking to contact United and discuss a deal for Johnstone this summer.