Real Madrid snap up World Cup star Rodriguez

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez from Monaco, the European champions have announced.

The Colombia international has agreed a six-year contract with Madrid and underwent his medical with the club this morning. He will be presented this evening.

Neither club have confirmed the fee for the 23-year-old, but reports suggest Madrid have paid in the region of €80m, which would make Rodriguez the fourth most expensive transfer of all time after Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez.

A Real Madrid statement read: “Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Monaco for the transfer of James Rodriguez, who will join the club for the next six seasons.

“The player will be presented today, Tuesday 22 July, at 8pm (Spanish time), in the Santiago Bernabeu’s presidential box.

“Following that, James Rodriguez will take his first steps on the Santiago Bernabeu’s pitch wearing the Real Madrid shirt and will attend the media in the press room.”