The 32-year-old Socceroo will link up with the former Arsenal striker at New York assuming he passes a medical and agrees personal terms after Everton confirmed they were happy to let him leave.

Speaking ahead of the MLS All-Star Game against Chelsea, where Thierry Henry will play, the Frenchman said he was excited about Cahill's arrival.

“Talking about Tim Cahill, he’s going to be great," Henry said.

"We’re going to have to wait for him to go through the medical. He’s going to be a great asset for us and also for the league."

He added: "The way he plays, I love the commitment. He's great in the box. His headers are unbelievable. He fights. His football IQ is great. Hopefully that can be a plus for us.”

Meanwhile, Cahill's American former Everton team-mate Landon Donovan said he hadn't spoken to the Australian about the move but understood the attractions for the 32-year-old who had also been linked with a move to the Middle East this off-season.

"Most players and their families enjoy the prospect of living in America," Donovan said.

“There are a lot of pluses to playing here, and now when the league has made the sort of financial commitments they have made to players it sweetens the pot even more.”

He added: “I didn’t speak to Tim about this particularly. I would have preferred to have him in LA but it’s a great opportunity for him and fingers crossed everything works out for him.

"He always spoke very fondly of our league.”