Updated

Red Bull New York signed Tim Cahill, a veteran of two World Cups with Australia, as a designated player Thursday from English Premier League side Everton.

Cahill, 32, had played the last eight years at Everton. He scored 68 goals in 278 appearances for the club. Either a forward or attacking midfielder, Cahill started his career with Millwall.

"We are absolutely thrilled to bring in a player of Tim's caliber to the Red Bulls," said New York general manager and sporting director Erik Soler. "He is the technical, physical presence we have been looking to add in our team and he brings a wealth of experience to our club having played in some of the highest levels of international soccer.

"Tim is a proven leader both on and off the field and we believe that he can help us immediately in our quest to win the MLS Cup this season."

Capped 55 times for Australia, Cahill has scored 24 international goals. He played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

"I am very happy to start a new chapter of my career with the New York Red Bulls," Cahill said. "As we have seen over the past few years, MLS has developed into a very competitive league with many talented players.

"I am impressed with what the Red Bulls are trying to accomplish in MLS and within American soccer and I am looking forward to this new challenge. I will do everything I can to help bring New York its first MLS Cup."

Cahill will join the Red Bulls' roster pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

Per MLS and club regulations, terms of the deal were not disclosed.