MANCHESTER UNITED’S forgotten keeper Tom Heaton is a shock target for Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder.
Wilder wants a new No 1 and is keen to take Heaton, 36, on loan if United will let him go rather than make him stay at Old Trafford as cover.
The former Aston Villa and Burnley stopper would welcome game time and a challenge after falling to third choice.
Wilder had been dreaming of a reunion with United’s Dean Henderson after they spent two successful seasons together at Sheffield United between 2018-2020.
But Hendo is still holding out for a Premier League move — either as a loan or a buy.
Championship side Boro were prepared to pay £40,000 a week towards Henderson’s salary but United wanted more.
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And contact with the 25-year-old’s camp revealed that he was waiting on a top-flight opportunity.
So while Henderson’s future is thrashed out, Wilder also has to wait on a Heaton decision while checking out alternative targets.
The Boro boss is also set to snap up Northampton gloveman Liam Roberts as cover in a surprise deal.
Roberts, 27, who was voted top keeper in League Two in the recent PFA awards, is out of contract.
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If he moves, that could see Joe Lumley go to Reading on a season-long loan or a free.
Wilder has also joined the race for Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury and is fighting West Brom for a temporary deal.
And he is set to sign Blackburn defender Darragh Lenihan, as we revealed.
Meanwhile, young United keeper Nathan Bishop, 22, is set to join League One new boys Exeter on loan.
