The England goalkeeper has struggled for first-team action at Burnley and, according to Sam Parkin, either the Villans or the Whites will probably sign him.
A pundit specialising in the English Football League has tipped Aston Villa and Leeds to be in contention over the signature of Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
The 32-year-old England international – who earns £35,000 per week as salary, according to Spotrac.com – has fallen down the pecking order at Turf Moor after a long-term shoulder injury in 2017 saw Tom Pope take his first-team place.
Joe Hart has since come in and, even though Pope is now injured, the former Manchester City keeper is now first choice, with Heaton not having played a single Premier League game this term.
With regards to the clubs linked with Heaton, Leeds are believed to be seeking a replacement for loanee Jamal Blackman, who suffered an injury and is back at parent club Chelsea.
As for Villa, neither Orjan Nyland and Andre Moreira have been particularly impressive between the sticks for the West Midlanders, prompting reports of a new custodian being sought.
Now, EFL pundit and former professional footballer Sam Parkin has claimed that Heaton is likely to be the subject of a tug of war between Villa and Leeds – but only if Burnley decide to let him go.
Speaking on the Totally Football League Show podcast, Parkin said: “There are rumours abound that Villa and Leeds are interested in a new goalkeeper.
“Tom Heaton at Burnley… Bristol City won’t be getting him. It will be either Villa or Leeds if Burnley decide to let him go.
“I think it’s all dependent on the fitness of Nick Pope and when he is able to be involved at Burnley. I’m pretty sure one of them will get him and that will be a big leg-up. He will instantly upgrade Villa and I think Leeds.”
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