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Former Man United player set for Old Trafford return after “verbal agreement”

Manchester United are closing in on signing their first player ahead of the summer transfer window.

A report from Football Insider reveals that Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton has “rejected a new deal” offered by the Villains.

The same source went ahead to state that the 35-year old shot-stopper has “verbally agreed to join Manchester United”.

Heaton joined Aston Villa in 2019 after spending six years at Burnley. He made 20 appearances for Dean Smith’s team but was sidelined due to a knee injury. 

The Villa made a smart move in the previous summer window by signing Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal.

He has made some unbelievable saves throughout the season which helped him to record 15 clean sheets.

In fact, he is only behind Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy (16) and Manchester City’s Ederson (18) in the number of clean sheets maintained in the Premier League this term.

He is undoubtedly one of the key reasons Villa are aiming to finish in the top half of the table.

Tom Heaton is no longer the first-choice keeper at Villa Park and he appears to favour a move to the club where his career started.

From 2004 to 2010, he was a part of United’s youth academy but opted to leave the club in search of first-team action.

Sergio Romero’s and Lee Grant’s deal with the Red Devils expire at the end of the season. 

With the club unwilling to extend their contracts, Heaton will become United’ third-choice goalkeeper next season. 

Dean Henderson and David de Gea will be competing for the number one jersey if they decide to stay at the Theatre of Dreams.

Heaton may get a dual role offer from the club as a back-up shot-stopper and helping to coach young keepers at the club.