Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone returns from Doncaster loan to join Preston

Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has joined Preston North End on loan until the end of the season after being recalled from his spell at Doncaster Rovers.

Johnstone, 21, extended his loan deal with Paul Dickov's side this month and was set to remain at the Keepmoat Stadium until at least 28 January.

But the League One club confirmed on Monday the shot stopper had returned to Old Trafford. Hours later, Preston announced the shot stopper's arrival at Deepdale.

Johnstone's record of four clean sheets in his last eight appearances for Doncaster saw him quickly grow into an integral member of the first team, having also impressed during another loan spell at the club last season where he made 18 appearances.

But Johnstone felt he could not turn down the opportunity to join his hometown club Preston, where his father also played in the early 1990's.

"If anyone else other than Preston had shown an interest in me, the likelihood would have been I would have stayed at Doncaster, who have been very good to me, but this being my home-town club it was difficult to turn down," he told Preston's official website.

"My dad played here a long time ago and he is happy and proud and I am looking forward to playing at Deepdale."

Having finally confirmed a permanent deal for Victor Valdes last week, Louis van Gaal is currently overseeing an overhaul of his goalkeeping options. Deputies Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos have been tipped to leave the club in the coming weeks with the former Barcelona stalwart now set to act as David de Gea's understudy.

Lindegaard, who signed for United in January 2011, would appear to be the most likely to leave the club in the near future.

When asked about the Dane's future at the club, Louis van Gaal told reporters last Friday: "I think that [Victor Valdes] fits more in the profile that I have a goalkeeper and that's it."

Newcastle United are among the clubs to have been linked with the 30-year-old Lindegaard.