Having failed to break into the top half of the table for yet another season, West Ham United are now a club in danger of stagnation. They are also in the market for a manager after David Moyes decided to walk earlier this week.
But The Hammers continue to be linked with some exciting stars for a move before the start of the next season and the latest name doing the rounds is that of Tom Heaton.
West Ham Confident Of Landing Heaton:
Having lost his first-team place at Burnley and a place in the national side to fellow teammate Nick Pope, Heaton might be on the move this summer. The Clarets will likely build their future around Pope, who is still 24, and reports claim that Heaton might be forced to move elsewhere for regular first-team action.
At 32, he still has a couple of years left at his best and West Ham are reportedly ready to meet his valuation of £10m this summer. Is he a decent buy for the club?
Heaton And His History:
Arguably one of the most consistent shot-stoppers in the league at the moment, the former Manchester United man fell prey to a dislocated shoulder just four games into the season and was replaced by Pope in the first team. Pope did no wrong to his reputation and kept Heaton out of the first team till the end of the season and has also taken the latter’s place in the national side.
But the 32-year old was easily one of the best keepers in the league last season, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 35 games for Burnley. Known for his athletic ability to pull off near impossible saves, Heaton is an established GK, with great positioning and even better understanding of the game.
He is not only good at saving close-range shots but is quick off his line to collect crosses hung into his box and is rarely error prone. He keeps it simple, loves to dominate his box and at his age, is one of the most experienced players in his role in the league.
Where Does He Fit In?
Moyes juggled between Joe Hart and Adrian in goal this season for West Ham. While Adrian has been decent, Joe Hart’s loan spell from Manchester City was so bad that he even lost his place in the English squad travelling to Russia.
At 31, Hart is still in his prime as a GK but his returns were just not good enough for The Hammers, who will have to spend on a no.1 this summer. Adrian, who is also 31, can act as a backup to Heaton, who will walk into the first team and solve the problems under the bar for West Ham, for at least a couple of years.
He might not be the most exciting option for the West Ham fans but Heaton can certainly do a decent job for the club. Do you think he is the right man for West Ham?