MADRID - James Rodriguez, the Colombia striker who was the top scorer at the World Cup, is closing in on a deal with Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old Monaco forward scored six goals in Brazil, including a spectacular volley against Uruguay in the second round.
Spanish sports newspaper As said Monday that Monaco had agreed terms with Madrid, whose president Florentino Perez had delayed his flight to Los Angeles where the club's squad has some preseason training.
Sports newspaper Marca, traditionally very close to Madrid's boardroom, said Rodriguez is to be presented to fans today.
Marca and As said Madrid had agreed with Monaco on a price of 80 million euros ($108 million) for Rodriguez, and that the player would join the squad on the first day of August.
Madrid has already signed Germany midfielder Toni Kroos for next season.
Both Kroos and Rodriguez could play Aug. 12 in the European Super Cup against Sevilla in Cardiff.
As said Rodriguez had made a brief stop-over Sunday in Madrid and was spotted arriving back at the city's international airport Monday morning.