The Aston Villa boss is delighted to welcome the goalkeeper to the club.
Aston Villa announced the signing of goalkeeper Tom Heaton from Burnley on Thursday.
Although the fee paid to the Clarets is officially undisclosed, the BBC report that he joins in a deal worth £8m.
The broadcaster believe that Villa’s summer spend is now beyond the £110m mark.
Some excellent ambition is being shown at Villa Park, with Dean Smith getting the resources to significantly strengthen the team that finished as play-off winners in the second-tier last season.
Much of his squad though has a lack of real Premier League experience and that was the attribute that the Villa boss picked out as key when it comes to the Heaton capture.
As quoted by avfc.co.uk, the manager said: “I am delighted that Tom is joining Aston Villa.
“He’s done fantastically well for Burnley over the past few years and his experience and knowledge of the Premier League will be a major asset to us this season.”
Heaton is now 33 and Smith is right to highlight his experience as massive to the Aston Villa dressing room. He was a noted leader at Burnley and that could be vital across a long, difficult campaign.
The ‘keeper has spent four of the last five years in the English top-flight, two-and-a-half of which have come as a regular in the division.
In total he’s made 96 Premier League appearances, 25 of which have resulted in clean sheets. It’s an excellent record that has ensured he’s won England caps along the way, emerging as one of the top shot-stoppers in the country.
It’s a playing history that makes him well placed to become the club’s number one ‘keeper, primarily competing with Jed Steer for the position.
Regardless of who wins out in that battle, Villa now have excellent depth between the sticks and the move is further evidence that the club are well up for the fight to stay in the top-flight next term.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
