Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, after reports stated that Premier League side Watford are also interested in signing the shot stopper.
Watford are not the first Premier League team to be linked with Johnstone. Everton and Bournemouth have both also been linked with the keeper.
The threat from Bournemouth is not considered real anymore, after they confirmed the signing of Asmir Begovic.
The same can be said of Everton, who only see Johnstone as a Plan B if they fail to pick up their number one target Jordan Pickford.
But the Birmingham Mail has today (June 1) reported that Watford have joined the list of clubs interest.
Aston Villa are desperate to sign Sam Johnstone on a permanent basis.
Talks took place a matter of weeks ago between Villa boss Steve Bruce and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, and things are reported to have gone well.
Johnstone played 22 times on loan at Villa Park last season after signing for the club in January. He kept eight clean sheets in this time.
His performances for the club were enough to convince Steve Bruce to attempt to sign him permanently, but it seems that with the temptation of Premier League football being offered to Johnstone, he may not be returning.
The Manchester United goalkeeper has spent his career being loaned out, and is yet to make a professional appearance during his time at Old Trafford.
