Paul Robinson believes that Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton could be open to a move to Celtic this summer.

The 35-year-old is considering leaving Villa Park in the summer, with his contract due to expire at the end of June.

Heaton has made just 20 appearances for Villa since signing back in 2019, last featuring for the first team in January 2020. He suffered a serious knee injury against Burnley last year and is now second choice to Emiliano Martinez under Dean Smith.

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson believes that the new Hoops manager will look to bring in a new shot-stopper and suggested that Heaton could be tempted if contacted about a move. The former England number one said:

“Whoever comes in at Celtic, one of their first tasks will be to sign a new number one.

“Tom Heaton is a possibility. Logistically, would he be willing to move to Glasgow? I’m not sure. He might be very settled with his family.

“It would be a huge opportunity for him to play at one of the biggest European clubs though. Could he turn that opportunity down?

“It would be a great signing for Celtic. Heaton would be a great signing for any club. He is a top-class, reliable goalkeeper who would be perfect for Celtic next season.”

Transfer Tavern take

Even though Celtic may not need to pay a transfer fee for Heaton if he sees out his current contract, they could still have to make him one of the club’s top earners. His Villa deal is worth £42,000 per week, and we think the club could be more productive with that money by strengthening in other areas.

Conor Hazard recently signed a new deal and Vasilis Barkas will be looking to improve on his first year at the club. To us, those two are more than capable of battling it out for the goalkeeping berth under the new manager.

Bringing in Heaton may prove a good move in the short-term, but we think the club should trust Hazard and Barkas to prove themselves in the long run.

In other news: Hoops handed Eddie Howe blow, find out more here.