‘He’s in the mix’ - Bristol City’s Championship rivals shortlist Man Utd man who previously played for the Robins

Bristol City’s Championship rivals Hull City have former Robins goalkeeper Tom Heaton on their shortlist as they aim to sign a goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.

Nigel Pearson’s men finished one point and one place above the East Yorkshire outfit last season. Hull vice-chairman Tan Kesler has been addressing the club’s goalkeeping situation as they aim to sign Karl Darlow from Newcastle United.

The Magpies stopper spent the second half of the Championship season on loan at Hull, but Liam Rosenior’s side face a battle to keep him permanently amid interest from Middlesbrough.

“I’ve been speaking with Newcastle and Karl as well,” Kesler told Hull Live. “Karl’s intention is to come and stay with us, but it’s not a secret that Middlesbrough and other clubs are interested in signing him.

“That’s due to his personality, his achievements in the past and because of that, Newcastle have given him a very good contract which is something above Championship’s affordability.”

Given the potential difficulty of sealing a move for the player, ex-Robins man Heaton is one name on Hull’s shortlist. The 37-year-old was set to be out of contract at Old Trafford this month but he had a 12-month extension triggered in his deal by the club last week.

Kesler added: “Tom Heaton is on our list, he’s a great goalkeeper, he’s a great personality. Would he help us? Yes. He’s one of the names and he’s in the mix.”

Heaton signed a one-year deal with City in July 2012, as the Robins went on to be relegated. Heaton started 43 of the club’s 46 Championship games that season.

He moved to Burnley following the Robins’ relegation, spending six years at Turf Moor before joining Aston Villa for two seasons and then moving to Man United.