Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly blocked an exit for Tom Heaton, with David De Gea’s future hanging in the balance.
The Telegraph report that Ten Hag has told Heaton that he will not be allowed to leave the club this summer.
The 37-year-old asked United to sanction his departure as he wishes to join newly-promoted Luton Town.
He served as the second-choice goalkeeper last season and featured only twice for the Red Devils.
Moving to Luton would be a lucrative option for Heaton. He could be a regular starter for the Premier League’s new boys and provide much-needed experience in the English top flight.
Man Utd goalkeeping department set for a major overhaul
De Gea has yet to extend his current deal with United, which is set to expire this week.
Ten Hag doubts De Gea’s ability with the ball at his feet. This could be why United backed off from the initial contract extension they offered to the Spanish international.
Dean Henderson has returned to the Trafford Training Centre ahead of pre-season.
However, he will likely leave United with Nottingham Forest willing to spend £30 million to secure his services.
If that is the case, the Red Devils will only have Heaton as a senior goalkeeper in the pre-season.
United are heavily linked with a move for Inter Milan star goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The 27-year-old will be a fantastic acquisition for the Old Trafford side. He played under Ten Hag for over four years at Ajax and achieved fine success.
Even if Onana is signed, United must have a robust second-choice shot-stopper.
Considering their need to invest in the other areas of the team, they cannot sign two goalkeepers in one window.
Ten Hag has no choice but to block Heaton’s move.
