Everton have announced the signing of German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a short-term contract.

PA PhotosThomas Hitzlsperger is on a short-term contract at Everton

Hitzlsperger, 30, was a free agent after his terms expired at Wolfsburg at the end of last season.

The former Aston Villa player has been on trial at Everton and has now put pen to paper on a deal that ties him to the club until January.

While Everton are awaiting international clearance on the transfer, he could be named in the squad for Sunday's Premier League fixture at QPR.

Hitzlsperger, who has 52 Germany caps to his name, lifted the Bundesliga title with Stuttgart in 2007 during a five-year spell with the club.