Report: West Ham target Tom Heaton plots Burnley exit; Liverpool keen

Follow us on Google Discover

West Ham United have reportedly received a boost, but also gained a rival, in their quest to sign Burnley’s Tom Heaton.

According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (20/05; page 66), Tom Heaton has put West Ham on alert by deciding that he wants to quit Burnley, but the Hammers will have to see off competition from Liverpool for his signature.

The 32-year-old has arguably established himself as one of the more reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League over the last few years. But unfortunately for the former Manchester United trainee, one of the names perhaps even higher on the list of most consistent stoppers is his teammate.

After Heaton sustained a long-term shoulder injury during the early stages of the season, Nick Pope stepped in and performed so well that he has now earned himself a place in England’s World Cup squad. Understandably, it appears that Sean Dyche has been unable to hand Heaton any kind of assurances over his position for next season.

The Sun on Sunday (20/05; page 66) reports that Heaton has held talks with Dyche and is now ready to quit the club, with the Hammers and the Reds both putting themselves in the race for a deal that could cost around £10 million.

If first-team football is set to be the key motivating factor behind Heaton’s next move, then heading to the London Stadium has to be his preferred option.

The Irons will see Joe Hart’s loan spell end this summer, while Adrian was unable to cement himself as the number one when he got a run in the side during the past campaign.

Liverpool meanwhile, have seen Loris Karius show some much better form in recent times, keeping 11 clean sheets since the turn of the year, and it seems unlikely that Jurgen Klopp will be able to offer him anything better than an understudy position at Anfield.