Manchester United appear to have chosen Tom Heaton over Sam Johnstone as a back-up.
The Telegraph report United are ‘close’ to signing Heaton as a free agent this summer.
Heaton, 35, would come in as a back-up for Dean Henderson.
A move would give United flexibility to sell or loan out David de Gea, who has fallen down to second choice.
Choice made
United have been in the mix for another goalkeeper and were reported by ESPN to be keen on Sam Johnstone.
However, West Brom wanted around £18 million, and while United had a sell-on clause and could have knocked this down, the club are making a saving.
It is also practical to simply get a deal done, than wasting time negotiating fees for a back-up player, amid competition from other clubs. Johnstone would also prefer to be first choice.
Heaton has been a back-up to Emiliano Martinez at Aston Villa this season.
Outgoings
United are set to say goodbye to back-up goalkeepers Lee Grant, who is 38, along with Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira. All three will be released.
The Telegraph report Jose Mourinho is interested in bringing Romero to Roma.
De Gea could also leave, as it makes little sense to keep him on high wages.
We actually wrote in early April how Heaton could become a possible target as he was set to become a free agent. Who says United aren’t predictable?
Heaton began his career at United although did not play a first team game, after going out on six separate loan spells, he was released in 2010.
He famously frustrated a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-led United in 2016 with an outstanding performance in goal for Burnley.
Heaton has been capped by England three times in his career.
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