Aston Villa could be dealt a blow in their hopes to sign Burley shot-stopper, Tom Heaton in the January transfer window as it has emerged that Preston North End are also tracking the 32-year-old according to The Sun (Page 57). 

Dean Smith's side were previously thought to be the frontrunners to secure Heaton's signature (according to the Burnley Express), but with other options now on the table for Heaton, he has a tough decision to make ahead of the transfer window.

Heaton has fallen down the pecking order at Turf Moor and is currently behind both Joe Hart and Nick Pope, which will he hugely frustrating for the former England goalkeeper.

Aston Villa are currently in need of an experienced keeper, as current number one, Orjan Nyland, has struggled to adjust to life in England since arriving in the summer.

Nyland has only kept five clean sheets this season and has made some costly errors in recent weeks which will explain why Dean Smith is looking into other options in goal ahead of the January transfer window.

Heaton will be an excellent signing for either side, but Villa will be hoping to sign him so that he can play a crucial role in their promotion push for the remainder of this season.

The Verdict: 

Preston's interest is certainly a surprising one.

Heaton will be after regular game time and is far too good to be sat on the bench at Turf Moor, and he would be a great addition to any Championship team, and could arguably be playing for another Premier League side this season.

Preston will be hoping they can edge ahead of Villa in the race to sign the shot-stopper when the transfer window reopens in January.