Man Utd eye Tom Heaton as De Gea replacement after Johnstone snub

Manchester United could make a move for Aston Villa keeper Tom Heaton if David De Gea leaves the club at the end of the season.

The Spaniard has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford with Dean Henderson occupying the No.1 jersey at the moment.

A summer exit could be on the cards, as a result, with PSG one of the clubs credited with interest.

And the Daily Star reports that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is preparing for his potential departure and could turn to Heaton for his replacement as he looks for a back-up goalie.

The 35-year-old has not made a Premier League appearance for Dean Smith's side in over 16 months after making his £8million move from Burnley in 2019.

Solskjaer's preference is to sign former United academy graduate Sam Johnstone, but the West Brom star is keen on a switch to West Ham as he looks for regular first-team football.

But Heaton – who spent five years at United previously – would be an ideal second choice as he would be happy to play second fiddle to Henderson.

De Gea has been a standout performer for Man Utd during his ten years at the club, but his form has taken a dramatic dip recently as Henderson replaced him in goal this term.

The news will likely put more heat on the Glazers following supporters' protests against Liverpool on Sunday as they called for the owners to sell up following their failed Super League plot.

The Premier League clash was called off as fans took a stand outside Old Trafford, while some stormed the pitch and gathered at United's team hotel to prevent the home side from getting to the stadium.

Meanwhile, United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Erling Haaland this summer after Dortmund claimed he was staying put for next season.

Haaland has a £70m release clause in his contract that can be activated in the summer of 2022, but suitors were hopeful of making a move for Dortmund's talisman a year early.

But BVB insists he is going nowhere for the time being and the player is said to agree with the club's decision.

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