Recent reports from Birmingham Mail suggest that Manchester United are keen on signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton in the upcoming transfer window as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to add to his options in the goalkeeping department.
Another Football Insider report states that Villa have offered a new contract to Heaton, but the Red Devils have put forward a more appealing deal.
“Tom’s contract is up at the end of the season, as we know.” – Dean Smith stated.
“As far as I am aware, he is in negotiations with Johan Lange, our sporting director. It is a private conversation at the moment between them.”
What Will Be Heaton’s Role At The Club?
Multiple sources state that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign Tom Heaton as the third-choice goalkeeper after Dean Henderson and David de Gea as both Sergio Romero and Lee Grant are expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
Added to this, the 35-year-old shot-stopper has also been offered the position of a coach at the club, where he’d be guiding the goalkeepers coming through the ranks.
Tom Heaton made 20 appearances for the Villans last season before picking up an unfortunate ligament injury; however, he has failed to feature in a single top-flight match since his recovery despite being amongst Villa’s subs for twenty-two consecutive matches.
Should Solskjaer Sign Him?
The fact that he’s being signed on a free transfer minimizes any sort of risk associated with the deal. The role of the ‘coach’ makes it sound sweeter. Furthermore, with David de Gea’s future uncertain at the moment, Heaton might end up being United’s second-choice goalkeeper if the Spaniard decides to move somewhere else.
So, Solskjaer should definitely try and secure his signature in the upcoming transfer window. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be a success, but a player with such a high level of experience will only strengthen the squad further.
