Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is close to singing a deal with the New York City Football Club, according to the New York Daily News. Once the deal is completed the 36-year-old will become the MLS expansion club's third designated player following the footsteps of fellow European players David Villa and Frank Lampard.

The troika, once they hit the pitch, is set to become the most accomplished attacking group in the MLS, and part of one of the most expensive rosters in league history. As noted by the Daily News, the summer transfer window opens on July 1, with Pirlo needing to get out of the remaining one year of his contract with Juventus before making the move to New York official. He is expected to earn between $5-6 million per year, according to a Daily News source.

Pirlo previously said that he would only consider leaving Turin if Juventus were to raise the Champions League trophy, but despite Barcelona winning the Final 2-1, it seems the midfield magician is set for his transatlantic transfer after all. Pirlo was spotted in Yankee Stadium Saturday with Manchester City chief Ferran Soriano.

Before Pirlo, Spanish football star Xavi was rumored to join NYCFC as their third designated player, but coach Jason Kreis eventually said that the Spaniard was not an ideal fit citing age and position (an overlap with the soon-to-arrive Lampard).

While Pirlo is no young stud, Kreis had a different view of how Pirlo would affect the club, saying that Pirlo is more withdrawn in the midfield. The move also shows how parent club Manchester City is running the show for the New York club, as noted by the Daily News.

Pirlo will be joining an NYCFC club (4-5-7) that is in the midst of a three-game win streak, and appears to have overcome a sluggish start.