Real Madrid sign James Rodriguez

Real Madrid have signed World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez from French league club Monaco.

The 23-year-old Colombia forward has agreed a six-year deal at the Bernabeu.

The reported fee of about 80million euros (£63m) makes 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 20:00 (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.

"I'm very happy," Rodriguez said as he left the clinic. "Everything went well."

Monaco vice-chairman Vadim Vasilyev said his club had no plans to sell Rodriguez, but were proud to be part of "one of the most significant transfers in football history".

Vasilyev said: "The time came when the solution of a transfer was considered to be the most beneficial solution for all parties."

Rodriguez's goal against Uruguay in the round of 16 at the World Cup, when he chested the ball down and then volleyed it in, was voted the best of the tournament. He scored a total of six times.

Rodriguez will strengthen Madrid's offensive lineup by joining Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema in attack.

The Colombia forward will likely wear the No. 10 jersey, vacated when Mesut Ozil left Madrid for Arsena.

So who has the upper hand now, with Barcelona already having splashed the cash on Liverpool's Luis Suarez for a reported amount of 75million. Lets wait and watch to see what unfolds in the coming days.