BURNLEY defender Tom Anderson has joined League Two Port Vale on a season long loan.

The 23-year-old, who came through the Clarets' youth ranks, was involved with Burnley's pre-season campaign and part of the senior squad for the opening games of the 2017/18.

But Anderson has been allowed to make the loan move to improve his chances of game time, despite a shortage of defensive cover at Turf Moor.

The Burnley-born centre half has had previous loan spells in the Football League with Chesterfield and Carlisle United, as well as playing National League football on loan at Lincoln City, Halifax Town, Hyde and Barrow.

Meanwhile, development squad midfielder Robbie Leitch, 19, has been released from the remainder of his contract at Turf Moor.