Manchester United are reportedly keen on Jordan Pickford, according to Club Call.

It is understood that the Red Devils are tracking the progress of the 21-year-old goalkeeper, who is currently on loan at Preston North End from parent club Sunderland.

The Black Cats are fully aware of Pickford's potential and talent, but he has been afforded few first team opportunities and, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, he could look elsewhere for game time in the Premier League.

Pickford impressing at Deepdale

Incidentally, Pickford was not Preston's first choice for a loanee 'keeper, but instead United's Sam Johnstone, who has spent time with the Lilywhites in the past.

However, they were unable to secure his temporary services, due to the complicated situation that was ongoing at Old Trafford at the time regarding David de Gea, and thus landed the signature of the young Black Cat as a replacement.

Still, the England under-21 international has impressed since moving to Deepdale for the season, keeping three clean sheets in the Championship already for the newly-promoted side, prompting United to send scouts to watch him against Bournemouth on Tuesday night in the League Cup.

Pickford could not keep the Premier League outfit at bay that night, the game finishing 2-2 after extra time before the Cherries won 3-2 on penalties, though he did save a spot-kick and make a number of good saves in the game.

Red Devils planning goalkeeping reshuffle

Though United have managed to keep hold of de Gea, as well as acquiring the services of Argentine number one Sergio Romero, third and fourth choice stoppers Victor Valdes and Johnstone are expected to depart by the end of the season, whether that be in the January transfer window or when the summer one re-opens.

The future of de Gea also hangs in the balance as, despite him having signed a new long-term deal, the Spaniard could still be a target for Real Madrid in the summer.

However, if the Red Devils want to lure Pickford to Old Trafford, they will have to beat both Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa to his signature, both of whom have sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old too.

Spurs already have two top quality goalkeepers in Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm, but Villa could offer Pickford more game time than both the North London and Manchester outfits - though the latter may depend on what happens in the transfer window.

Chances could still arise on Wearside

Above all though, Sunderland will hope to keep their youth product at the Stadium of Light.

Back-up 'keeper Vito Mannone put on a poor performance against Manchester City in the cup, and was subject to plenty of speculation in the summer, with him expected to be moved on at the end of the season.

This would open up a chance for Pickford to move into the first team squad to compete with number one choice Costel Pantilimon. The big Romanian has helped the Black Cats' scorelines stay respectable at times this season, as well as being key in their two points achieved, however, he has hardly been pushed by Mannone.

Pickford would certainly bring even more out of Pantilimon, and would be worthy of opportunities himself too given his quality.

If he is not given chances soon though, then moving on may be on his mind.