Melbourne Heart have signed Sydney keeper Clint Bolton as they step up preparations for their A-League bow next season.

Bolton has been a key part of Sydney's success this campaign, the 34-year-old former Australia international setting a league record with 12 clean sheets as they captured the minor premiership.

"Clint has proven over time to be one of the most professional and outstanding goalkeepers in Australia," Heart coach John van't Schip said. "He leads by example and is the perfect person to have in goal when you are starting a football club.

"Keepers of Clint's quality, if they can remain fit, get better as they mature. A player like Edwin van der Sar, for example, signed for Manchester United when he was 34 and has now won three championships and a European Cup."