Manchester United are still in discussions with Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans to stay at the club, despite the pair officially becoming free agents this week after their contracts expired on Sunday.
The change in status means United will now have to re-sign the duo if they wish to keep them both on, but they could face competition over the former academy duo with interest from other clubs in the centre-back and the goalkeeper.
Burnley are among the clubs to have held talks with Heaton, 38, but the veteran goalkeeper has told interested prospective suitors he would only leave Old Trafford if it was to become a first-choice goalkeeper elsewhere. James Trafford is set to leave Turf Moor and sign for Newcastle while Aro Muric is also likely to leave the Clarets, but they are still without a manager after Vincent Kompany’s departure for Bayern Munich.
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Evans and Heaton are open to remaining at United, even though their contracts have expired. Evans, 35, played more than expected after signing on a free transfer on deadline day last September. He made 30 appearances in total, including 17 starts, as an injury crisis ripped through the defence.
United have already made a bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite this summer and are interested in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt. Raphael Varane has left the club at the end of his contract and at least one of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire is set to be sold, which could influence the decision over Evans’ future.
Heaton didn’t play last season but is an important voice in the dressing room, emerging as a leader behind the scenes and striking up a strong relationship with captain Bruno Fernandes. He was credited with helping new goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir settle into the club last summer.
He is currently in Germany with England’s Euro 2024 squad as a training goalkeeper. Luton wanted to sign Heaton and make him first-choice a year ago but Erik ten Hag wouldn’t sanction the move.
He has no plans to retire and would consider a move that guaranteed him more first-team football, but is also open to extending his stay at United, especially if any deal includes a role once he does hang up his gloves.