‘Offered to Liverpool’ – Man United target not short of options

With Manchester United’s number one jersey tug-of-war taking place between almost-veteran David de Gea and the youthful exuberance of Dean Henderson, not much significance has been placed on the third ‘keeper spot. 

However, it looks like it will be for the summer, at least, with the Red Devils targeting a return for an old player.

Aston Villa’s 35-year-old Tom Heaton is out of contract in the summer and reports have been suggesting a return to Old Trafford is imminent – as Sergio Romero goes out the other way – which would give United exceptional depth in that position.

However, the Daily Mail are reporting that he won’t be short of options whatsoever and that he has been offered to last season’s Premier League champions, Liverpool, too.

The report claims the Reds have offered their backup Adrian a new deal but the 34-year-old has the chance of becoming the first choice at Real Betis, and that Jurgen Klopp wants to send Caoimhin Kelleher out on loan next season.

Tom Heaton isn’t short of options when his Aston Villa contract expires this summer

They might have to look elsewhere, though, with a deal to bring Heaton back to Old Trafford – where he began as a professional before leaving to join Cardiff City in 2010 – looks almost ready to go.

Earlier in the week, Villa boss Dean Smith was asked about the stopper and didn’t rule out anything, saying to Birmingham Live: “Tom’s contract is up at the end of the season, as we know.

“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.” 

With almost 400 games of professional experience, Heaton would bolster most benches and certainly provides adequate depth to any club looking for a third choice stopper – but will we ever see him pull on the gloves in a Premier League fixture again?