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Erik ten Hag 'blocks Tom Heaton exit amid Luton Town interest'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 29 June 2023

Ten Hag 'blocks Heaton exit amid Luton interest'

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag blocks goalkeeper Tom Heaton from leaving Old Trafford amid interest from Luton Town, according to a report.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly blocked Tom Heaton from leaving Old Trafford amid interest from newly-promoted Premier League club Luton Town.

Heaton had been expected to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer this summer, but it was recently announced that the 37-year-old had signed a new 12-month extension.

The stopper came through the youth system at Old Trafford, representing the club between 2005 and 2010, but he failed to make a single first-team appearance before leaving for Cardiff City.

Heaton returned to Man United on a free transfer in 2021, but he has only featured three times for the club over the last two seasons, including two EFL Cup outings last term.

According to The Telegraph, Luton have approached Man United to discuss a possible deal, but Ten Hag has blocked the goalkeeper from leaving in the current market.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before the match on May 4, 2023 © Reuters

Heaton is said to be keen to move to Luton, where he would be the number one, but he will not be allowed to depart due to the goalkeeping situation at Man United.

Jack Butland, who arrived on loan from Crystal Palace in January, has joined Rangers on a permanent deal, while there is uncertainty surrounding David de Gea's future.

De Gea's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the month, and Man United have allegedly not yet made a decision despite the fact that his deal is entering its final hours.

Ten Hag is reportedly not prepared to allow Heaton to leave while the situation remains unclear, even though the Englishman would not be number one next term.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on February 26, 2023 © Reuters

Dean Henderson has returned to Carrington following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, but the goalkeeper is not thought to be in Ten Hag's plans.

The Englishman is currently recovering from a thigh injury at his parent club's training complex, but he is in discussions with Forest over a permanent move to Steve Cooper's side.

Man United are now on the verge of making their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Mason Mount set to arrive from Chelsea in a £60m deal.

The Red Devils are also planning to move for a new striker, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani allegedly emerging as the club's leading target ahead of Harry Kane, who could stay with Tottenham Hotspur this summer despite his contract expiring next June.