NI defender Aaron Hughes signs one-year deal with Melbourne City

Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes said last month that he was interested in a move abroad

Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes has become the latest former Premier League player to sign for Australian A-League club Melbourne City.

Hughes, 35, was released by Brighton at the end of last season.

The former Fulham, Newcastle and Aston Villa defender will join ex-Hull City and West Brom player Robert Koren at the Melbourne club.

Former Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff played with the Victoria-based club last season.

Duff left the Melbourne club in April while David Villa and Harry Kewell have also previously played for the A-League team.

"Aaron is an extremely experienced professional and is an excellent addition to our squad," manager John van't Schip told the Melbourne City website.

"He brings with him a vast amount of Premier League and international experience which will be of great benefit to the team."

Hughes indicated last month that he was open to the possibility of a move abroad as he aimed to extend his international career.

The defender has helped Northern Ireland into a strong position in their Euro 2016 group with them currently in the second automatic qualifying position behind table-toppers Romania.