Tom Heaton
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Aston Villa signing this experienced PL ace for £8m would help Dean Smith add a top-class player to his squad

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Why Tom Heaton would be a top addition to Dean Smith’s Aston Villa

According to a report from BBC, newly-promoted Aston Villa are set to sign Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton after agreeing on an £8m deal.

The Burnley captain, 33, has been a long term target for Dean Smith’s side since their promotion to the Premier League. The England international made 19 Premier League appearances last season as the Clarets avoided relegation.

The veteran goalkeeper is keen to play first-team football and with Nick Pope and Joe Hart as competition at Burnley, Tom Heaton will hope for assurances of a starting spot at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have added no less than 10 players since their promotion back in May, as Dean Smith’s side look to cement their place in the top-flight next season.

The Villans cannot afford to be like Fulham though, who spent so much money upon their return to the Premier League last season but were relegated straight away.

But it looks as if Smith isn’t planning on stopping there when it comes to adding players, with Tom Heaton set to join the Midlands club. Heaton was outstanding in the Premier League before his injury and he could prove to be a quality signing for Aston Villa next year.

The three-cap England international is a proven and reliable Premier League goalkeeper. That’s just what Villa need ahead of the Premier League campaign, with Jed Steer inexperienced in the top-flight and Lovre Kalinic struggling since arriving from Gent in January. He has been part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad in recent seasons as well.

With the 2020 European Championships around the corner, Heaton, who fell behind Nick Pope and lost his spot as Burnley’s number, would look to be a part of Southgate’s England squad.

And a move to Villa would bolster his chances of doing so as the former Manchester United graduate would instantly become number one simply because he is better than what Smith currently has at his disposal.

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Plus, the 33-year-old could be the ideal mentor for the young Jed Steer. Truly, Heaton ticks all the boxes and considering his age, the move to Villa would be the best option for his career.

Verdict

Heaton’s top-flight experience makes him a valuable asset for the Premier League newcomers, whose primary aim will be looking to secure their top-flight status next year.