MANCHESTER UNITED are on the verge of signing Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaten to replace Sergio Romero, according to reports.
Argentinian stopper Romero, 34, has long been looking to force a move away from Old Trafford – with both himself and his wife lashing out at the Red Devils last year following a failed move to Everton.
But Romero will finally leave Man Utd after six years at the club when his contract expires this summer.
Despite having David De Gea and Dean Henderson at the club United are keen to replace Romero with an experienced third-choice stopper to act as a role model to the younger players.
And they are set to look to their past to fill the void – with ex-youth academy product Heaton linked, according to the Telegraph.
Heaton, 35, is in the frame to join after losing his place at Aston Villa to Emi Martinez, who joined from Arsenal a year ago.
Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed United were in for Heaton – as well as another former Red Devils ace, Sam Johnstone.
The West Brom goalkeeper, 28, will be looking for a move back to the Premier League following the Baggies’ relegation – which was confirmed at the weekend.
While England hopeful Johnstone is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice of signing, it’s unlikely he’s settle for the role of No 3 keeper.
Heaton is out of contract this summer and is already able to negotiate pre-contract terms with clubs.
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The three-cap England goalkeeper recovered from a serious knee injury to serve as Martinez’s No2 at Villa Park this term.
However, ex-Burnley man Heaton is yet to play a single minute in 2020-21 and is destined to leave the Midlands side after just two seasons.
Heaton spent eight years at United between 2002 and 2010, but failed to play a single game – loaned out six times before being sold to Cardiff.
Meanwhile, Romero could link up with former United boss Jose Mourinho this summer.
Mourinho was unveiled as new Roma boss last week and could look to Romero to provide competition for first-choice Pau Lopez.
Romero helped United win three trophies under the Special One – including the Europa League-League Cup double in 2016-17.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
