Leeds United’s injury problems mounted further during the week when Jamal Blackman suffered a broken leg in an U23s fixture during the international break.

The Chelsea loanee fractured his tibia in the development match against Birmingham last Friday afternoon, and he has since returned to his parent club to start his rehabilitation.

With the club down to one senior keeper and calls for Bailey Peacock-Farrell to be dropped before Blackman’s injury, Leeds could be in the market for a new stopper in January.

The Mirror’s live transfer blog (Monday, 2.07pm) has reported Marcelo Bielsa’s men are interested in adding Burnley’s Tom Heaton to their ranks in the New Year.

And with Blackman out, the search for a goalkeeper will be stepped up as they look to add an experienced backup to up the young Peacock-Farrell.

With Heaton at a Premier League side, there’s potential that he will not want to drop down a division with plenty of suitors for his services in the top flight should they be interested.

If Leeds were to miss out on Heaton, here are three alternatives that Bielsa should consider moving for should the Burnley man fail to arrive.

A more than adequate signing, Luke Steele is currently Nottingham Forest’s number two behind Costel Pantilimon. 

The 34-year-old has only featured in the club’s League Cup ties this term and has failed to make a single appearance in the Championship.

It might not be the most spectacular of signings, but he would be a more than capable addition to the Leeds dressing room.

Steele is a solid, experienced second tier stalwart.

With Rui Patricio in sensational form, John Ruddy has had to make do with a watching brief this term, other than two League Cup appearances.

It’s one thing to be in the Premier League, but it’s another to be playing there week in and week out - and Ruddy is not doing that.

So a move to Elland Road could well be an option if they fail to land Tom Heaton.

The Leicester City keeper has made three appearances in the Premier League this term but not since the end of August.

Kasper Schmeichel is the number one at the King Power and game time for Ben Hamer could be even more limited as the season rolls on.

It might be a good time for the 30-year-old move away from the top-flight to play regularly, and he could well do that at Elland Road.

He would be a more than adequate option should Tom Heaton fail to move to Marcelo Bielsa’s men.