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According to John Cross on The Mirror’s live transfer blog on June 19 (16:37), Aston Villa are interested in signing Burnley’s Tom Heaton.
What’s the word?
Villa seem keen to add a goalkeeper to their ranks this summer despite the heroics of Jed Steer during the play-offs.
The club have already had a bid knocked back for Neil Etheridge but they’ve also been the subject of a report suggesting they could throw £20m at Jack Butland.
However, the latest stopper to take their eye is Heaton who has turned down a new contract offer from Burnley.
That’s per John Cross who during The Mirror’s live transfer blog this week claimed that both Villa and Bournemouth have an interest in the 33-year-old.
At the moment, the ‘keeper has just a year remaining on his current deal at Turf Moor.
Steer setback?
It’s clear that any new goalkeeper arriving would be detrimental for Steer, which makes Villa’s desire to sign a new man between the sticks rather questionable.
The 26-year-old was fantastic when he finally got his chance towards the end of last season and was the hero of their penalty shoot-out victory over West Brom.
Yet, he could be bumped down the pecking order once again if Heaton signs.
The England international has had a topsy-turvy few seasons, being denied a place in the Burnley side firstly because of Nick Pope and then by Joe Hart too.
He’s also had to overcome injury but bounced back to make 19 Premier League starts in 2018/19, returning to the team in the second half of the term to display form that initially earned himself a place in the England setup.
Despite a lack of game time, he didn’t suffer and showed the high-class ability he has by helping his side to four clean sheets.
Steer was originally cast into the shadows by Steve Bruce but like the Heaton, overcame his own personal setbacks. However, he could be set for another one if the Burnley man arrives this summer.
The latter was also out of favour at the beginning of last 2018/19, which makes it extremely unlikely that he’ll want to sign for a club that makes him their number two. He also fits Dean Smith’s reported requirement of a goalkeeper with Premier League experience, although whether Heaton qualifies as top-class remains a matter of opinion.
But on that evidence, their current first choice could be faced with yet more time on the sidelines.