Manchester United are heading towards a pivotal summer transfer window as Ineos prepare to make big changes at Old Trafford.
Of course, all of the focus right now is on the future of boss Erik ten Hag as he battles to keep his job.
Ineos have already made changes at other levels of the club and that surely means that Ten Hag is under the microscope, especially after such a disappointing season.
Whether Ten Hag stays or goes, United have big decisions to make in terms of the playing squad.
Fans want to hear about potential signings coming in through the door, and we are sure that Ineos will invest in some new recruits.
Players must certainly leave the club as well though and there are some contract decisions to be made.
Anthony Martial will be on his way but Jonny Evans may have done enough to earn a new deal whilst Raphael Varane is expected to go.
Tom Heaton transfer stance
Then there is Tom Heaton.
United pounced to bring Heaton back to the club in 2021, snapping him up on a free transfer after leaving Aston Villa.
Heaton came up in the United youth ranks from the age of 11 but left the club for Cardiff City in 2010.
Heaton went on to excel at Burnley and earned three England caps during his time with the Clarets.
Now 38, Heaton still hasn’t made a Premier League appearance since his return to Old Trafford three years ago.
The Manchester Evening News now claim that Heaton is actually open to staying at United with his contract ending this summer.
It’s stated that Heaton is ‘disappointed’ with his lack of playing time having been under the impression that he would be second choice.
Heaton has been more like third choice throughout his time at United but he is open to stay – especially if a coaching role is on offer too.
Luton Town actually wanted to sign Heaton last summer but it’s suggested that Ten Hag blocked the move, preferring to keep him at Old Trafford.
Heaton hasn’t been left too gutted by that snub though and is seemingly willing to listen to an offer from United.
Manchester United goalkeeper links
Heaton may not be the only goalkeeper whose future will come under the microscope this summer.
Reports from Turkey have suggested that Trabzonspor are interested in signing Altay Bayindir.
United only signed Bayindir from Fenerbahce last summer but he has made just one first-team appearance and could be on the move already.
As a result, United have been linked with goalkeeper signings, just in case somebody – Heaton, Bayindir or both – leaves this summer.
Columbus Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte is understood to be on the radar with United allegedly battling Arsenal for his signature.
Lazio stopper Christos Mandas is the latest name in the mix, with the Greek goalkeeper catching the eye in Serie A.
Heaton leaving would surely make a veteran goalkeeper a priority and we would suggest that Schulte and Mandas are being eyed up as Bayindir replacements instead.
Heaton’s homegrown eligibility makes him very valuable to United but it will have to be the right deal for him after three years sat in the shadows.