Although Tom Heaton began his football career at Manchester United, he spent a large portion of his time there on loan at different teams.

He moved from the Red Devils to Cardiff City in 2010, where he spent two seasons as a player before departing to sign a free agent with Bristol City.

The 38-year-old played 43 Championship games in his one season at Ashton Gate, giving up 77 goals and keeping six clean sheets.

Heaton only played for the Robins for one season before leaving on a free transfer to Burnley in the summer of 2013.

It has now been disclosed that Heaton was offered new conditions to extend his one-year deal with Bristol City, but he chose to go on and sign with the Clarets. As a result, Heaton’s stay at Bristol City may have been longer.

Heaton joined Burnley in order to remain in the second division after leaving the Robins that summer after the team finished last in the Championship table.

The custodian thrived at the Lancashire club, and this move would go on to elevate his game to new heights.

Tom Heaton was a superb free transfer signing for Burnley

Tom Heaton was a goalkeeper with 91 Championship appearances when he joined Burnley in 2013. The 38-year-old was a match made in heaven for the club as he was a consistent performer over several seasons, playing in all 46 league games while conceding just 36 goals and keeping an amazing 19 clean sheets in his team’s debut season.