Everton have made an enquiry about signing Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
United manager Erik ten Hag has already blocked a move from newly-promoted Luton Town to try and sign England international Heaton. But Everton are now also trying to lure Heaton away in another twist in the goalkeeping crisis at Old Trafford.
Everton have Jordan Pickford as their established No1 but the England keeper has attracted interest in the past but – more pressingly – last season’s back-up Asmir Begovic left Goodison Park at the end of the campaign.
That could leave Everton with a vacancy in the keeper department and United are clearly trying to sign a replacement for David de Gea. They are close to clinching a deal for Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana and are believed to be looking for ANOTHER keeper after de Gea’s departure.
Heaton is well respected at Old Trafford as being a top pro and he signed a two-year contract in 2021 with a further one-year option.
Luton were planning to sign Heaton with the promise of regular first team football which they hoped would lure the experienced keeper to Kenilworth Road. But they face competition from Everton, who want an experienced, top quality keeper.
Meanwhile, United are set to complete a deal for Cameroon keeper Onana as the man who Ten Hag wants as his new No1. United have already made a £50m bid for the Inter keeper but the Italian club want at least £60m.
However, Inter are ready to negotiate with a deal moving closer and it would also likely give them cash to spend on potentially making a fresh move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku.
Ten Hag worked with Onana at previous club Ajax and believes he is the right man to take De Gea’s place in the side. The Spaniard confirmed his departure on Saturday, bringing to an end his 12-year stay with United.
He wrote: "We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers.
"It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here. I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together. Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings. Manchester will always be in my heart, Manchester has shaped me and will never leave me. We’ve seen it all."
[mirror.co.uk]