Manchester United’s planned summer clearout has already seen Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial depart upon the expiry of their contracts.
The futures of several first-team stars still need sorting out with Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton also becoming free agents with their current deals ending in June. According to Manchester World, United are in talks over a new deal for both academy graduates.
“Manchester United are still in talks with veteran duo Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton about possible new contracts.
“Evans, 36, and Heaton, 38, are both officially out of contract on Monday with discussions ongoing about potential extensions heading into the new season.
Heaton, Evans update
“United confirmed when their retained list was released at the start of the month that they were open to keeping both academy products at the club, though it always seemed unlikely they would agree to new terms until the managerial situation was clarified.”
The centre-back initially came back to Carrington last summer to build up his fitness but ended up impressing Erik ten Hag enough to earn a one-year deal.
It was initially thought that he would be a mentor to the young stars and would play only a handful of games. But the Northern Ireland international ended up making 30 appearances in all competitions with the Dutch manager turning to him due to the injury crisis at the club.
Ten Hag was open to offering a contract extension to the veteran defender after being impressed with not only his ability but also his willingness to make himself available for the sake of the team.
The former Champions League winner has also expressed his desire to stay back with The Peoples Person recently relaying that he would be kept on with the club keen to utilise his experience to help the emerging academy graduates.
Tom Heaton also falls in the same category with the former academy graduate being a key member of the first team squad despite his lack of minutes.
Will Heaton stay?
Ten Hag considers the England international to be a leader in the squad and even blocked approaches from Luton Town and Everton last summer as he felt it would not be wise to let go of a leader like Heaton.
The 38-year-old has only played thrice in three years and is said to be desperate to play regularly and has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
He was even called up by Gareth Southgate recently to help with the goalkeeping contingent and his United future depends on whether the club can has funds to secure another goalie.
Already Altay Bayindir has been linked with an exit and Ten Hag does not want further uncertainty in the goalkeeping department, something that was seen last season with the entire revamp of the position.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
