Dean Smith wants two elite-level goalkeepers at Aston Villa next season with the Premier League giants desperate to stop Tom Heaton leaving on a free transfer, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
Unfortunately for Smith, there’s little Villa can do to stop their England international shot-stopper heading for pastures new.
The Athletic reports Heaton’s two-year, £40,000-a-week contract will expire in July.
And, after falling behind the irrepressible Emiliano Martinez in Smith’s pecking order, the 34-year-old could reject the chance to sign an extension in favour of regular first-team football elsewhere.
After recovering from a cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out of the starting XI since January 2020, a goalkeeper with such talent and experience won’t be short of offers if he decides to bring an end to his Villa Park career.
According to the Birmingham Mail, Heaton is the one player Smith is “desperate” to keep hold of, with the Aston Villa boss keen to ensure Martinez is supported by another proven, top-flight glovesman in 2021/22.
Heaton’s departure could force Villa into the transfer market for a replacement, although it must be said the under-rated Jed Steer has impressed whenever asked to step up.
19-year-old Finnish keeper Viljami Sinisalo is also highly regarded at Bodymoor Heath, although it seems unlikely he’ll be promoted to the first-team squad so soon.
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