Real Madrid Sweet £63m James Rodriguez Deal With Sami Khedira

Real Madrid have reportedly agreed terms with Monaco to secure James Rodriguez for £63m but are now trying to reduce the total amount by including players such as Sami Khedira as part of the deal.

Having already signed Toni Kroos from Bayern Munich, the Champions League winners have earmarked the signing of the Monaco star as their top priority to replace wantaway Angel Di Maria.

Spanish newspaper AS recently revealed Los Blancos had already agreed personal terms with Rodriguez, who will earn around £6m a year after taxes.

The 22-year-old refused after to confirm the deal but did say it would be a "dream" for him to play for Real Madrid.

"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," the Colombian star said.

With Rodriguez publicly expressing his desire to play for the La Liga giants, Monaco are left no choice but to negotiate a lucrative exit.

After signed him last summer, for around £35m, the Ligue 1 big spenders began negotiations demanding more than £70 for the player. However, according to AS, they have finally accepted to cash him in for £63m.

And after reaching an agreement in principle, Real are now trying to reduce Monaco's demands by including other players in the negotiation.

It originally looked like unsettled Brazilian midfielder Casemiro was going to sweet the deal but after the midfielder agree a move to Porto instead, AS said Real are now ready to include both Khedira and goalkeeper Diego Lopez as part of the transaction.

Real Madrid are unlikely to keep Khedira in the squad and were ready to sell him to Arsenal for around £20m. However, after the Gunners refused to match his salary demands, AS has reported that Real are now set to send him to Monaco, to secure a cut-price deal for Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, AS said that Los Blancos are keeping the number 10 shirt, left by Mesut Ozil's departure last summer, for the Colombian star.