Everton in talks with Manchester United star - Reports
Everton have reportedly held conversations with Manchester United's back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees are among multiple clubs linked with making a move to sign Heaton this summer. Luton Town, who secured promotion from the Championship ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season, are also keen to sign the veteran goalkeeper.
However, the report adds that Manchester United are not considering Heaton's exit amid uncertainty over the goalkeeper position. David de Gea's contract expired on Friday (June 30). United released a squad update on the same day in which they said that discussions with De Gea over a new deal were ongoing.
The Spaniard's unresolved contract situation has seemingly left Heaton's future at Old Trafford in doubt. The Englishman, 37, still has a year left on the contract he signed in the summer of 2021 and has made only three appearances in his two seasons with the Red Devils.
The aforementioned report adds that Everton's pursuit of Heaton comes after second-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic's contract came to an end. Jordan Pickford remains the No. 1 for now and is contracted to the Toffees till 2027, but he has been linked to a few clubs in previous transfer windows.
Luton, meanwhile, are looking to make Heaton their No. 1. The Hatters are said to want experience in their first season back in the Premier League. Ethan Horvath was their starting goalkeeper last season and kept 19 clean sheets in 44 Championship games, conceding only 37 times. However, the 25-year-old has returned to Nottingham Forest following the end of his season-long loan spell.
Heaton, meanwhile, has played 116 Premier League games for Burnley and Aston Villa, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding 167 goals.
Manchester United hold talks with Andre Onana amid David de Gea uncertainty
Tom Heaton's future at Old Trafford could hinge on the club's conversations with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Inter's chief executive officer Giuseppe Marotta recently confirmed that the Nerazzurri are waiting to receive a proposal from Manchester United for Onana. Marotta said (as quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Twitter):
“Manchester United confirmed to us that they’re interested in Andr eOnana. We are waiting for an official proposal in the next days, then we will decide how to react right after.”
If Manchester United sign Onana, he's likely to become their starting goalkeeper, which could see David de Gea leave.
That could, in turn, have ramifications for Tom Heaton's future, as Erik ten Hag may continue to bank on his experience and keep him as a backup goalkeeper. Alternately, the Red Devils could sell Heaton and sign a younger custodian to be Onana's understudy.