12 May 2021 12:40:54
Hi Ed,

Saw some rumours of Tom Heaton coming back to us on a free transfer, just wondering if you have heard anything on that?

Could be a decent option as he's not a bad keeper and would be decent cover. I think he would also be home grown as well?

{Ed002's Note - Yes.}

1.) 12 May 2021
12 May 2021 15:49:57
Shappy started this rumour last week right here on this page. I see its gathering pace. How many of you are journalists? 😂😂.

2.) 12 May 2021
12 May 2021 16:06:36
I actually was told by a friend (who has a connection to someone at Villa) about the club possibly looking to Heaton. I'd imagine if its true then more than a few journalists would be privy to the same information.

Heaton would make a lot of sense. He wouldn't cost anything in transfer fee, is a solid back up option, could be negotiated quickly and easily before the opening of the window. While he is homegrown and has a connection to the club.

Finding that balance between a keeper who is good enough to be a back up keeper AND is happy to be one can be tricky.

3.) 12 May 2021
12 May 2021 16:43:50
I think he is a pretty good keeper Shappy, always played well against us!

4.) 12 May 2021
12 May 2021 19:39:21
I'm a fan of the idea and suggested it back in April.

Free, HG, gets the culture and will be good a squad member.

Also better than spending £20m on Johnstone who offers the same if not more quality in all honesty. And wasted on the bench.

A slight trade off but should mean money can go further.

Question is, does Heaton replace Grant/ Romero or De Gea?

5.) 12 May 2021
12 May 2021 21:21:03
De Gea on his way out, surely, and we know Romero is.

6.) 12 May 2021
12 May 2021 21:47:28
Grant and Romero will be leaving so he will be 3rd choice. Wouldn’t surprise me if de Gea stayed one more year.

7.) 13 May 2021
13 May 2021 09:30:49
I wonder what will happen with Nathan Bishop who was signed last summer. I expect Joel Pereira to leave, but Bishop has been spoken about positively by people at the club. I'd have thought he would be promoted to third choice.

I mean currently we have a frankly ridiculous goalkeeping roster of

Henderson
DDG
Romero
Grant
Bishop
Pereira
Kovar

Even if DDG, Romero, Grant and Pereira leave that still leaves

Henderson, Bishop and Kovar. One good back up is all that's needed. Could Heaton do that job? I think so.

8.) 13 May 2021
13 May 2021 14:52:55
Agree shappy- been banging on about getting this one and that off the wages bill but I really think its needed this next season more so- man utd are reputedly one of the top payers in europe and tbh big salaries on mediocre players. If we can save a million a week on wages there's a decent player or a refit at carrington, a contract for van de sarr and massive bonus for Gloria in the canteen.
Before anyone says out, I'm neither Scots or Yorkshire born so its not about being tight its about common sense spending. lol.

9.) 13 May 2021
13 May 2021 22:13:41
I would sell Henderson tomorrow, unfortunately his talent is not the same as his self belief. The new Ben Foster.