Man United on the verge of making this PL veteran their first summer signing | OneFootball

Transfer News: Manchester United close in on Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton

According to The Metro, Manchester United are closing in on signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 35-year-old is currently behind Emiliano Martinez in the Villa pecking order. A seasoned performer, he enjoyed a successful spell at Burnley before moving to the Midlands.

Unfortunately for him, a knee injury has limited his impact at Villa Park. Now in the twilight of his career, he could have the opportunity to end his career at Old Trafford.

Heaton started his career at United but was unable to make a mark at the Theatre of Dreams. In all fairness, there are few keepers who could have overtaken Edwin van der Sar in the United pecking order.

With Dean Henderson and David de Gea already at the club, Heaton would at best be a decent third choice to call upon. After all, the chances of him starting regularly is unlikely.

Lee Grant, United’s 38-year-old veteran made a U-turn regarding his future at Old Trafford and is set to leave the club in the summer. A popular member of the squad, Heaton could be his replacement.

Both Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira are also set to leave the club in the summer in what is a shakeup of the goalkeeping department.

Heaton is set to be a free agent in the summer and will cost United nothing in terms of transfer fees. It is a rather underwhelming start for John Murtaugh’s reign as football director.

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Heaton has been capped by the English national team three times. However, his last call-up for the Three Lions came all the way back in 2019. (h/t Transfermarket)