New York Red Bulls have confirmed the signing of Finland international midfielder Teemu Tainio. The 31-year old former Tottenham, Sunderland and Birmingham City man has joined the MLS outfit from Dutch Eredivisie club Ajax Amsterdam.

Red Bulls coach Hans Backe said the signing of Tainio, who has also played with AJ Auxerre in France, was a very significant one.

"We've signed him," said Backe.

"Teemu, this is an absolutely class player.

"I know he was good when he played with (Tottenham) Hotspur, and with Sunderland, and even with Ajax even though he didn't play there that long."

Tainio comes to New York with the ability to play in a variety of positions but according to Backe, will be tried in central midfield in a pre-season match against Mexican club Atlas today.

"Tomorrow against Atlas I'll try see him in a central midfield position," Backe said yesterday.