Of course it was that premier of all journalists, the Gridlock Coffee Roasters just round the corner from Melbourne City's Bundoora headquarters, that were first to break the news.

City are yet to announce the signing of Van Egmond, who caused a stir after leaving long-time club Newcastle, where she had been the Novocastrians' biggest star during several intermittent spells since 2008.

Van Egmond, a 90-cap Matilda and Julie Dolan medal winner, is one of two high profile acquisitions in City's off-season, with the club clearly intent on hurting its competitors following a poor finish last season by the club's lofty standards.

City have also signed Adelaide United captain Emma Checker so far, with the club's full squad set to be announced shortly.