Tom Heaton Set for Ashton Gate Return
Bristol City are interested in signing Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton, according to reports in the Bristol press. Heaton has played for Bristol City before and could now make a return to Ashton Gate as he wants regular first-team football again.
The England international has fallen down the pecking order at Burnley behind Joe Hart and is seeking a move in January. Heaton spent a season with the Robins in 2012/13 and started 43 out of their 46 games in the Championship. However he was snapped up by the Clarets at the end of that campaign and has been there ever since, playing 181 times and helping them gain promotion to the Premier League twice.
Heaton started his career at local side Chester before he was signed by Manchester United in 2002. He rose through the youth ranks at Old Trafford but never made a first-team appearance for the top flight giants. Instead, Heaton enjoyed various loan spells away at the likes of Swindon Town, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff City, QPR, Rochdale and Wycombe Wanderers.
He then left Manchester United on a permanent deal to sign for Cardiff on a free transfer. Heaton spent two years with the Welsh side and played 40 games before rejecting a new contract offer to join Bristol City.
Heaton enjoyed his season at Bristol City prior to his move to Burnley and would be a welcome addition to their side in January if they can snap him up. He is a top goalkeeper and would be a real coup by a Championship club.
