Aston Villa have had a £4 million bid rejected by Burnley for Tom Heaton, being told they will need to add another £8 million if they want to secure the England international’s services, according to Football Insider.
It is reported that Heaton is entering the final year of his Burnley contract, with talks about a renewal having stalled.
While Sean Dyche would like to keep his club captain, it is understood Burnley will consider letting the 33-year-old leave if their £12 million valuation is met.
After returning from injury and then working his way back into the starting line up, Heaton made 19 Premier League appearances for Burnley last season, keeping four clean sheets and conceding 27 goals.
Meanwhile, Jed Steer also had to wait to get into the Aston Villa line up last season, as he was sent out on loan to Charlton Athletic. Across his spells with Villa and Charlton, the 26-year-old played 38 league matches, including the play-offs, keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding 38 goals.
What sets the two apart mostly will be their experience, which was highlighted last season, as while Steer was fighting for first-team football in the Championship, Heaton was getting himself back into the England squad, having represented his country three times.
This would be a brilliant move for Aston Villa and they should certainly pay the £12 million if that is truly as low as Burnley will go.
While Steer did play a role in getting the club promoted, Heaton would be a definite upgrade, having represented England and finishing the season back in the national team squad – that is the calibre of player that Villa need in goal to boost their survival chances.
With just under 100 Premier League appearances to his name, that sort of experience could go a long way for Dean Smith’s side in a division as tough as English football’s top flight.
Aston Villa fans, should the club go all out for Heaton? Join the discussion by commenting below…
