Former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has joined the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole by making the move to Major League Soccer.

The 30-year-old, who made 260 appearances for the Magpies, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the 2015 MLS Cup Champions Portland Timbers.

Taylor is expected to make his debut for his new club against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.

"The excitement I've got is like when I left school at 16 to play professional - it's like a new lease of life," said Taylor.

"Everyone at Portland Timbers is making me very welcome and I just want to get playing again. My main goal is to win stuff and enjoy my football playing week in, week out, there is no better feeling than that.

"The fans sing all game I understand, in MLS everyone talks about the Portland Timbers fans. I think you have to experience it for yourself."