Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton has become Aston Villa’s 11th signing of the summer.
Sean Dyche has seemingly stated that Burnley couldn’t turn down Aston Villa’s offer for Tom Heaton, who signed for the Midlands outfit on Thursday.
Villa confirmed on their official website that England goalkeeper Heaton has become Dean Smith’s 11th signing of the summer.
The 33-year-old played a huge part for Burnley over the years, including their promotion to the Premier League and then their European finish the season before last.
Following the announcement that Heaton is set to move to Villa Park, Dyche reacted to his move and offered nothing but praising words for the experienced goalkeeper.
“Tom has been a terrific servant to the club, as an individual, for the team and for the fans,” Dyche told Burnley’s official website. “He was a real ambassador around the place.
“Quite simply a situation arose this summer, where he is in the final year of his contract, there was contact from Aston Villa and I believe he has been offered a very good contract for him and his family.
“And there is a business model at Burnley Football Club, which everyone has come to understand. It’s a very good fee for a very good player, but who is 33 with 10 months left on a contract, which has to be balanced up.”
The goalkeeping area was a bit of a problem for Villa last season, with five keepers being selected for action during the clubs promotion to the Premier League.
In the end, Jed Steer was brought back into the fold by Smith during Villa’s surge to England’s top-flight and he took the opportunity with both hands.
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