Manchester United may look to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton this summer.

That’s according to a report from The Sun, who claimed that the Red Devils will target Heaton if they can’t land West Brom’s Sam Johnstone. Both shot-stoppers have been on the books at Old Trafford previously, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking for experienced goalkeeping cover in the summer transfer window.

Heaton, who earns £47,000 per week at Villa Park, is out of contract at the end of the season. The 35-year-old has played second fiddle to Emiliano Martinez since returning from long-term injury, and the latest report claims that the ex-Burnley stopper 'would have to be happy as an understudy' at Manchester United – eight words which seem crucial to any potential deal.

Transfer Tavern take

Heaton may well be looking at a Villa Park exit in search of regular game time, so Manchester United viewing him as an experienced backup ‘keeper may not appeal to him.

Former England number one Paul Robinson recently described the veteran stopper as 'phenomenal', and we feel that he is too good to sit on the bench in the final stages of his career. He has more than 100 appearances in both the Premier League and Championship under his belt, along with three England caps.

On that basis, he could be a shrewd signing for any club looking for a new number one, providing he doesn’t extend his stay at Villa Park.

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz as club make South American 'top transfer target', find out more here.