Exclusive: Bradford City agree deal to sign Blackburn’s Joe Hilton

Bradford City have agreed a deal to sign Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Joe Hilton in a permanent deal, sources have told Football Insider.

The 25-year-old has been predominantly the backup goalkeeper at Blackburn ever since breaking through the academy at Ewood Park, and he hasn’t made a first-team appearance this season.

Hilton has played just once for Blackburn throughout his career with the majority of his game time coming elsewhere, with his brightest spell being at Hamilton.

The goalkeeper made 23 appearances for the Scottish side, conceding 25 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

Hilton was out of contract at the end of this season, but Blackburn have opted to let him leave in the January window after interest from the Bantams.

Graham Alexander is looking to bolster his options in between the sticks, with Sam Walker, Colin Doyle, and Zac Hadi already at the West Yorkshire club.

Joe Hilton will boost Bradford City’s promotion hopes

Bradford are pushing for promotion out of League Two this season and currently sit seventh in the table after 28 games.

Alexander’s men have faired well defensively so far, with only three teams in the division having conceded fewer goals than them.

Hilton will provide some competition to Walker, who has been Bradford’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout this season.

Bradford City
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The 33-year-old has played every League Two game this season and has kept seven clean sheets.

Bradford will be back in action on Tuesday (4 February) against Rotherham in the quarter-final of the Football League Trophy before a derby game against Harrogate Town on Saturday (8 February).

In other news, Hackett Exclusive: Heckingbottom feared ban over Preston v Blackburn controversy.

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