Tom Heaton Returns To Cardiff City

Goalkeeper Tom Heaton has joined Cardiff City from Manchester United on a permanent basis after a previous loan stint with the Championship club.

Heaton, 24, was a 2008-09 Bluebirds regular and spent loan periods at Wycombe, Rochdale and QPR last season.

Boss Dave Jones told Cardiff's website: "United had offered him a new contract, but Tom's attitude was that he wanted to play, which says a lot about him."

Heaton's return came in the wake of Peter Enckelman being released.

Jones says ex-England Under-21 international Heaton can give David Marshall strong competition after his contract starts on 1 July, adding: "He will certainly be a welcome addition to our ranks.

"I'm pleased that we have secured Tom's services from Manchester United.

"We all know about the lad from his time on loan here and know that we have signed a very talented young player who can offer plenty of competition for Marshall in goal.

"It's now a case of Tom and Dave working hard with our goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson, battling to claim a starting place in the squad.

"We look forward to seeing him for pre-season training and know that we have a real prospect for years to come."

Heaton played 21 games in his previous spell at the club and played 12 times for Rochdale and 16 for Wycombe last season.