Liverpool are reportedly seeking a new backup to Alisson Becker and have a summer move lined up for Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
According to Daily Mail, Liverpool are looking to launch the offensive for Tom Heaton. The Burnley keeper has just 12 months left on his contract and is reportedly a target for the Reds, who are searching for an able backup to Brazilian international and current first-choice Alisson Becker.
Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest in Heaton, which puts Burnley in a complex predicament. The Clarets are in danger of losing two of their goalkeepers, with Joe Hart courting interest from Sheffield United. The former Manchester City star is reportedly ready to quit Turf Moor.
Tom Heaton is a graduate of the Manchester United academy setup. The 33-year-old swapped many clubs before finally finding his home at Burnley in 2013. Since making the move, Heaton has gone on to make 200 appearances for the club, including 96 in the Premier League.
Heaton was the protagonist of what was a brilliant 2016-17 campaign by Burnley on their return to the Premier League. The player though, suffered a shoulder injury in the following campaign, which saw Nick Pope being given the chance. Pope grabbed it with both hands and that saw Heaton become second-choice even after being fit.
Heaton though, regained his first-choice status in the second half of the 2018-19 season while also being the club captain. Still, with just a year left on his deal, the likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa are interested in the 33-year-old.
Liverpool have a world-class keeper in Alisson Becker, one who performed admirably in what was his first season in the Premier League in 2018-19. But, there is little to choose apart from the Brazilian. Loris Karius is in Besiktas while Simon Mignolet has been tipped to leave the club in the summer.
Liverpool have brought in Andy Lonergan on a free transfer to deal with the lack of options in the glove department. But, Jurgen Klopp would still love to add an able backup to Alisson, one who has experience of playing in the Premier League.
Heaton fits the bill. The 33-year-old has proven to be a reliable stopper in the Premier League and will not command a high fee, with Heaton in the last year of his Burnley deal. One stumbling block could be Heaton’s Manchester United past.
The 33-year-old could still have a soft corner for his boyhood club and that could make the switch to Liverpool a tough decision. Nevertheless, the opportunity of competing for trophies will definitely appeal to the Burnley goalkeeper. A transfer that could very well happen and one that will depend on whether Hart makes his way out of Burnley.
