Manchester United: Sam Johnstone yet to make decision regarding Old Trafford future

Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is unsure about his future at Old Trafford, amid interest from hometown club Preston North End.

The 22-year-old 'keeper, who is currently in the United States on the Red Devils pre-season tour, is wanted by the Championship club, but the uncertain goalkeeping situation at United has seen him play 45 minutes in the first game against Club Americas and 90 minutes in their win over San Jose Earthquakes on 22 July.

David de Gea's future at the club remains uncertain with Real Madrid linked with a move for the Spanish international, Marca reports, while second choice Victor Valdes has been put on the transfer list by Louis van Gaal. This has seen a delay in the decision regarding Johnstone's future at the club.

Preston manager Simon Grayson is keen to bring the young goalkeeper back to the club following his successful loan spell in the second half of last season, and insists that the player is also keen to move back to Deepdale.

"From a selfish point of point, I hope Manchester United resolve things quickly, which would enable us to bring Sam in," Grayson told the Lancashire Evening Post.

"He wants to come back and was fantastic for us last season. It is a tricky situation – we want to give ourselves the best opportunity to get Sam but we also have to be careful in case the answer is eventually 'no'," the Championship club's manager added.

However, Johnstone, who is contracted to the 20-time English champions until the summer of 2017, is keeping an open mind when it comes to deciding his future, but has indicated that he would prefer a loan move rather than a permanent transfer.

"I am contracted to Man United for two maybe three years so they are the biggest club in the world and I have had two chances out here now in America and we can only see what happens in the future," Johnstone said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

"I saw what Simon Grayson said and that was good. I enjoyed my time there but I never expected to be going to Preston permanently. There was talk about it. That is between the two clubs to decide. If I go back out I would like it to be a loan. I have to see what happens here first."

"If they tell me it is time to move on then it is time to move on but I will keep working hard here and impressing the manager," the England U21 international added.