James Rodriguez

James Rodriguez has told Monaco he is not likely to play any pre-season game for the Ligue 1 side – in order to avoid a potential injury which could put him at risk before his lucrative summer move to Real Madrid.

Reports in Spain claim the Spanish giants have already reached an agreement with Monaco to secure the Colombian star's services for £63m. The player has also agreed a £6m after taxes contract per year.

However, the deal is yet to be official as the clubs are still negotiating the terms of the payment. Los Blancos are trying to include some players such as Sami Khedira and Diego Lopez as part of the deal to reduce the final price.

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According to Spanish newspaper AS the deal is "imminent" – with Los Blancos waiting to sell Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint Germain in the near future for around £47m to fund the Rodriguez move.

AS claims that Rodriguez expects join Monaco's pre-season Tour in Miami on Monday, following his holiday break, but he will not be in the friendly game that the Ligue 1 side will play on Wednesday.

According to the Spanish newspaper, the player will complete his move to La Liga giants in the coming week, as Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti wants him to join them on 1 August.

"Playing for Real Madrid is my life's dream: it'd be a privilege to play alongside so many stars. If it happened, I'd enjoy it to the max. It's really flattering to know that a club of Real Madrid's stature is interested in me," said Rodriguez.