Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set to sign for former club Manchester United this summer after his contract expires, according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic.
Manchester United to Sign Tom Heaton
Villa Keeper Will Not Extend His Two-Year Stay at Villa Park
United are set to sign Heaton as a replacement for Sergio Romero, who is out of contract this summer. Romero has been United’s third-choice ‘keeper since the return of Dean Henderson from his Sheffield United loan spell and is eager to leave the club.
Thirty-five-year-old Heaton is set to return to Old Trafford this summer after beginning his senior career at the club. Heaton held talks with United representatives earlier this month and has agreed to return.
According to the report, the future of Lee Grant is also uncertain, so this potential signing appears to be merely cover for the club’s reserve goalkeepers.
More Goalkeeping Transfers Expected at Old Trafford
Mark Ogden of ESPN reported earlier this month that the club expects whichever goalkeeper that starts on the bench for the Europa League final to leave the club this summer.
Dean Henderson wants to stay at United, but is prioritising first-team football and will only stay if he is made United’s first-choice goalkeeper. De Gea has similar intentions but is reportedly winning the race to start in the Europa League final and become Manchester United’s starting goalkeeper for next season.
While De Gea may currently be the leading ‘keeper at United, the club’s coaching staff find him difficult to motivate and are concerned by his error-prone form in the last three seasons – suggesting a move for one of Europe’s top keepers is still on the cards.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is close to being out of contract at AC Milan and Jan Oblak has made clear he is open to moving to the Premier League at some point. More transfer activity around goalkeepers is to be expected from Old Trafford this summer.
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