Man Utd: New Football Director John Murtough in profile
Manchester United's new director of football John Murtough is on the verge of completing his first transfer since joining the club. Former transfer chief Ed Woodward, who will be leaving the club at the end of the season, usually preferred to do his business towards the end of the window.
But Murtough has acted swifty to seal a move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Tom Heaton, according to the Telegraph.
David de Gea and Dean Henderson are fighting for the No 1 jersey at Old Trafford.
And Heaton, 35, has not been brought in because either of those options are being let go.
Instead, the former United academy graduate is on the verge of re-signing for his first club as a third-choice keeper.
Sergio Romero is set to be moved on at the end of the season, with Heaton his direct replacement.
Heaton was pushed down the Villa pecking order when they signed Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal last summer. The ex-Burnley shot stopper is out of contract at the end of the season.
Man Utd chief John Murtough is about to complete his first summer signing (Image: GETTY)
As well as bringing in new additions, Murtough has also been tasked with handling contract negotiations.
He has already made a great start as he was able to convince Edinson Cavani to pen a new deal on Monday, with the help of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The veteran striker has scored eight goals in his last seven matches but initially wanted to leave the Premier League - a stance which has now changed.
"Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents. I feel a deep bond with my team-mates and the staff who work behind the scenes here," Cavani said.
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"They give me extra motivation every day and I know that, together, we can achieve special things.
"From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager. As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.
"I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.
"I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd and that is something that I cannot wait to do."
Tom Heaton is a free agent at the end of the season (Image: GETTY)
Solskjaer added: "I said when Edinson signed, that he would bring energy, power and leadership to this group and I haven’t been proved wrong, he has been everything I thought he would be and more.
"As coaches, we knew about his goalscoring record. However, it is his personality that has brought so much to this squad, he has a winning mentality and has an unequivocal attitude to everything he does.
"Edinson is one of the last to leave the training ground and sets the tone for the upcoming youngsters with his approach to his profession every single day.
"I have always wanted him to stay and experience the way our fans will respond to him as a player, and this means he will hopefully get that opportunity."
