Joachim (33) signed a pre-contract agreement with The Walks outfit, which will take effect from July 1 when his current deal with League Two Darlington expires.

The striker, who has played for a host of Premiershipclubs including Leicester City, Aston Villa and Leeds United, has signed a one-year deal and his arrival signals Lynn's intent for next season's Conference North campaign.

Joachim made nine appearances for England under 21s.

Linnets manager Keith Webb said: "I'm hoping Julian's signing will put a few more bums on seats and also attract other players to the club as well.

"He's a household name, has played in the Premiership and is well known in footballing circles.

"We knew he was a free agent and he is a good friend of (Linnets director) Michael Chinn's. I've had a long chat with the player and he is aware of what we're trying to achieve at this football club.

"I know where he is more comfortable playing and he wanted to be nearer home. I'm hoping he will prove to be a good signing by doing the business for us on the pitch."

Webb added: "Julian is a big signing, but we're not going to start shouting from the rooftops about what we are going to do next season. We will just get on with our jobs quietly and effectively."

Boston-based and Peterborough-born Joachim joined Leicester City as a trainee and made his debut for The Foxes in 1992.

After making 100 starts for Leicester he moved to Aston Villa in February 1996, commanding a transfer fee of £1.5 million.

Joachim netted 39 goals in 90 league starts for Villa before he moved to Coventry in the summer of 2001.

His three-year stay with the Sky Blues saw him net 14 goals in 69 starts before a move to Leeds United, where he scored twice in 31 appearances.

The season ended with a loan spell at Walsall where six goals were scored from eight starts – including a hat-trick against Hull City.

Rather than staying with Walsall, Joachim opted for a move to Boston United where he spent the 2005-06 season, scoring 19 goals.

August 2006 saw Darlington pay a transfer fee of more than £95,000 for Joachim's services – their biggest transfer fee for more than a decade.

Joachim made 87 appearances for The Quakers, scoring 16 times, seven of which came last season, when the frontman helped his side to the League Two play-offs.

On other possible transfer targets, Webb said: "I'm still looking, but some players are asking for ridiculous money.

"I've spoken to two defenders in the last week, but they were living in a fantasy world with their demands.

"To be fair the club did splash out to gain promotion last season, but we won't be held to ransom by anyone.

"Too many clubs go boom and bust too quickly these days.