Eddie Howe can end Celtic problem area, as Villa reportedly set to sell player - TBR View

By Will Butcher

Eddie Howe is reportedly close to being announced as the new Celtic manager and one of his first problems will be to find a new goalkeeper for the Hoops  in the upcoming summer window – and Aston Villa may have presented the ideal opportunity.

Reports suggest that Howe could be brought to the club but might not actually take charge until the summer, while an announcement is expected to be made in days – rather than weeks. A goalkeeper will be at the top of his agenda.

Down south at Aston Villa, 34-year-old Tom Heaton has entered the final three months of his contract at Villa Park. The Athletic claim Villa want to keep the England keeper, but Heaton might be tempted to move – just two years after his £8million move.

Having suffered an ACL injury in his first season at Villa, he is yet to make a single appearance this season with Emi Martinez being signed from Arsenal last summer. So, Heaton looks as if he is about to leave this summer and Celtic must take advantage.

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Vasilias Barkas is being linked with an exit just 12 months after joining the club from AEK Athens, while Scott Bain and Conor Hazard are hardly long-term answers to the goalkeeping dilemma at Parkhead. A new signing is needed.

Heaton is perfect. Not only does he provide some much-needed experience at the back, Heaton is available for nothing and is hardly on a big contract in the Midlands – with Spotrac claiming the former Burnley man earning just £42,000 a week.

Signing Heaton would be a stunning signing for Celtic and on a free, it is a no-brainer. If Howe can solve the Celtic goalkeeping issues with the signing of Heaton on a two-year deal, then he would be making an excellent start to life as Bhoys manager.

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