Man United plan to accept Altay Bayindir offer as 'surprise' replacement lined up

Manchester United are planning to accept offers for Altay Bayindir this summer as they prepare

The 28-year-old has made just 17 appearances since his move to Old Trafford in 2023, and is now seeking a move away, with a return to Turkiye his likely preference.

Man United, meanwhile, are considering a move to sign Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in a "surprise" move to bring the academy graduate in as a backup goalkeeper.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that United will only sign Johnstone if they have a buyer for Bayindir

Tom Heaton is currently the club's third-choice goalkeeper, having put pen to paper over a new deal, while Senne Lammens has established himself as the first choice.

However, there could now be changes to United's number two, with the club having explored the possibility of letting Bayindir go and bringing Johnstone in.

Could Sam Johnstone make a surprise return to Man United?

Brown told Football Insider last summer that Wolves are prepared to move Johnstone on, as he is no longer seen as the first-choice goalkeeper at Molineux.

Despite their relegation to the Championship, that stance is not believed to have changed, but interest from clubs looking for a number one appears to have faded.

Johnstone has not been a regular since being replaced by Dean Henderson at Crystal Palace, but could now return to his boyhood club in a backup role.

"I wouldn't have expected a new goalkeepr to be a priority for Man United," Brown told Football Insider.

"The suggestions that they could be set to sign Sam Johnstone have come as a surprise, because there are already three good goalkeepers on the books.

"Johnstone wouldn't be coming in as the number one, that's for sure, and Tom Heaton has only recently signed a new contract, he will stay as the third choice.

"So it calls into question Bayindir's future at the club, and by all accounts I expect they are prepared to let him go.

"It would make sense to bring in Johnstone as his replacement in that scenario, as they will want a replacement lined up before letting Bayindir move on.

"He's a good lad, Sam, he was at the club when I was there and he's always been very highly thought of at Man United, so coming in as the backup goalkeeper could be a good move for everybody."

Could Man United cash in on Altay Bayindir?

Speculation about a move to Johnstone comes alongside that about Bayindir's future, as he remains well down the pecking order under Michael Carrick.

The Turkey international has scarcely been given a chance by any of the three United bosses he has played under, and now feels the time has come to move on.

Football Insider revealed in March that Bayindir is edging closer to leaving United and is pushing for a move away ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

This comes amid speculation that a deal with Besiktas has already been agreed behind the scenes, although the reports from Turkey are said to be wide of the mark.

Besiktas remain keen on a deal for the goalkeeper, however, while he is unhappy at Old Trafford, with a deal now growing increasingly likely to take place.