West Ham chase Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart and solve goalkeeper problem

WEST HAM want England keeper Tom Heaton to replace Joe Hart next season.

The Hammers have targeted the £10million-rated Burnley star as they look to solve the problem position which has dogged them for the past two years.

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Hart's season-long loan from Manchester City turned into a major disappointment with the stopper being axed from the side and eventually losing out on a World Cup place this summer.

Now West Ham are hoping to finally land a consistent top class stopper by pushing Burnley to let them sign highly-rated Heaton.

The 32-year-old started this season as first choice and pushing for a place on the plane to Russia 2018.

But he suffered a badly dislocated shoulder in the fourth game of the campaign which sidelined him four five months - handing Nick Pope the chance to come in and establish himself.

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Pope's displays have seen him force his way into Gareth Southgate's plans for the World Cup - and left Burnley with the enviable position of having two England keepers in their squad.

Boss Sean Dyche would prefer to keep the pair at Turf Moor, especially now the club faces the extra demands of Europa League football having finished seventh this season.

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But Dyche will struggle to keep both happy, and the Hammers believe they can tempt Heaton to the London Stadium with the offer of being first choice next season.

Heaton has two years left on his existing deal and is understood to have been happy to stay at Burnley to see out the remainder of his contract.

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But with 24-year-old Pope making such an impact this season, he may be forced to look elsewhere with the Clarets able to plan long-term with him in the side.

The fact former Manchester United keeper Anders Lindegaard recently signed a one-year contract extension suggests Burnley are also looking to ensure they have back-up should Heaton be sold.

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Hart will return to City with his future up in the air having seen his reputation fall to an all-time low at West Ham.

The 31-year-old is unwanted by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium, and his poor form in East London has meant few clubs are showing an interest.

Spanish keeper Adrian has also been unconvincing, and the Hammers are aware they need to find a more reliable keeper to settle in and own the role of being first choice.