Middlesbrough are closing in on the £2.5m signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to a report.
The 24-year-old has spent the past eight years as part of the Red Devils' setup, coming through the youth ranks in 2011 but failing to break into the first-team fold since then.
Johnstone currently finds himself well down the pecking order at Old Trafford, although after a successful loan spell with Aston Villa last season he is said to be on the radar of a few Championship clubs.
Sunderland are among those to have reportedly shown an interest, but The Sun claims that Boro lead the way and are now in talks with United.
It is suggested that personal terms are yet to be agreed for Johnstone, who will likely find himself as first choice at Riverside Stadium if a deal is struck as Garry Monk is losing senior stoppers Victor Valdes and Brad Guzan.
