Heaton has been linked with a move to Leeds, but it seems Forest are in pole position.
Nottingham Forest have reportedly approach Burnley over a move to sign goalkeeper Tom Heaton on loan until the end of the season – but Leeds United cannot let that happen.
The Daily Mail have claimed in Tuesday’s paper edition (page 72) that Forest are looking to land England international Heaton on loan this month, with Costel Pantilimon’s form questionable of late.
But Leeds are also after a goalkeeper this month after Jamal Blackman was forced to return to parent club Chelsea after breaking his leg in an Under-23 match for the Whites.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s form has been particularly hit and miss between the sticks this season, starting well but fans are beginning to get on his back – even more so after a 4-2 loss to Forest last time out.
The Sun reported ahead of the January window that former Manchester United star Heaton would consider a move to Leeds, as he struggles to get game time at Turf Moor with Nick Pope and Joe Hart also on the books.
Leeds are sitting at the top of the Championship table and sit four points above the play-offs, with the club being the closest to promotion they have been in many years. Marcelo Bielsa could see them return for the first time since 2004.
But if they are to do that, they need a commanding goalkeeper with experience of promotion from the Championship and one that can be trusted. Peacock-Farrell, unfortunately, is not that man.
Signing Heaton – who went up with Burnley as champions at the end of 2015-16 – would be the perfect replacement for Peacock-Farrell. But letting Forest land him instead would be an enormous mistake.
The move hinges on whether Leeds gain promotion.
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