Burnley goalkeeper and Leeds United January transfer target Tom Heaton is reportedly open to a drop down to the Championship, according to reports from The Sun.

The three-cap England international has been frozen out at Turf Moor, and finds himself behind Joe Hart and Nick Pope in the pecking order despite making over 160 appearances for the club.

News has recently emerged, however, that the 32-year old will consider moving down to the  Championship, with Leeds United one of the second tier clubs vying for his signature.

Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa is looking for a goalkeeper, after Chelsea loan shot-stopper Jamal Blackman had his loan spell at Elland Road cut short after breaking his leg in an under-23 match.

Regular shot-stopper Bailey Peacock-Farrell is also out of action for this weekend’s clash with Bristol City, as the Yorkshire club look to return to the top of the league as soon as possible.

The Whites currently sit third in the Championship, just one point off the automatic promotion places.

The Verdict

This could be huge news for Leeds - Heaton is a very reliable figure in between the sticks and was on the reserve list for Gareth Southgate’s England squad which shows just how highly rated he is. Leeds are in desperate need of a solid option in goal, and he’d be such a shrewd signing for Leeds.