David Villa to play for Melbourne City before joining New York City in 2015

New York City's first major signing David Villa will play for Australian A-League side Melbourne City before joining the new MLS franchise in 2015.

The Spaniard was announced as a new player for the American outfit on Monday after being part of Atletico Madrid's title-winning side in La Liga.

It has now been announced that Villa will move Down Under on a 10-game contract for the A-League club, who were formerly known as Melbourne Heart.

Manchester City's Abu Dhabi-based owners are behind the new MLS franchise, and recently took over at the Melbourne club.