James Rodriguez: Real Madrid sign Monaco forward

Real Madrid have signed Colombia forward James Rodriguez, the top scorer in the 2014 World Cup, from Monaco for a fee which could reach £71m.

The 23-year-old has signed a six-year deal with the Spanish giants.

Rodriguez won the Golden Boot with six goals in five matches in Brazil as Colombia reached the quarter-finals.

Madrid president Florentino Perez said: "He played brilliantly and his goals confirmed his status as one of the best players at the World Cup."

Rodriguez, who had a medical on Tuesday, said joining Real "is a dream come true"

Rodriguez's move is the fourth most expensive transfer of all time after those of new team-mates Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Luis Suarez.

"I am very happy, this is a dream come true. I hope to make people very happy and win a lot of titles here," he said.

The Colombian scored against Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan as they topped Group C before netting twice, one a sublime volley, during the 2-0 last-16 win against Uruguay, which was voted goal of the tournament.

Rodriguez's final goal was a late consolation from the penalty spot as Colombia lost 2-1 to Brazil.

The former Porto forward won the Portuguese league three years in a row before joining Monaco last season, where he scored nine goals in 34 Ligue 1 games.

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

Madrid made Ronaldo the world's most expensive player when they signed him for £80m from Manchester United in 2009, and eclipsed that with the £85.3m they paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale last summer.

Rodriguez's signing comes less than a week after they signed German World Cup winner Toni Kroos, who moved from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee.