Heaton is a better goalkeeping option for Aston Villa than Newcastle outcast Darlow

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Promotion rivals Leeds United and Aston Villa are prepared to battle it out over Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to the Sun.

The report claims that the 28-year-old is keen to move on after slipping behind Martin Dubravka in Rafa Benitez’s goalkeeping pecking order and the Championship rivals are keen on taking advantage.

Darlow would cost a reported £4m, although it is not yet certain whether Benitez would sanction his sale.

Last week, the Burnley Telegraph reported that Villa were now favourites to land Tom Heaton after he has slipped out of contention. So which of the two English outcasts would be the better option?

Heaton has international experience with England and has produced a more impressive level of performance at Premier League level, which makes him the man Dean Smith should go all out for to boost his side’s promotion push.

The Burnley man will want to try and claw his way into the England squad and that may also add a layer of motivation that Darlow doesn’t have; especially as he has seen Jack Butland drop down into the Championship but remain in the squad.

Either would be an upgrade on Ørjan Nyland, but Heaton’s superior quality makes him the man Smith should hang his hat on.