Everton sign Real Madrid midfielder Rodriguez on two-year deal

Real Madrid's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez (R) celebrates past Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane after scoring on a penalty kick during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) round of 16 first leg football match Real Madrid CF vs Sevilla FC at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on January 4, 2017. / AFP PHOTO

Everton have signed Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez from La Liga champions Real Madrid on a two-year contract, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported that Everton paid around 20 million pounds ($26.33 million) for the 29-year-old who had a year left on his contract with the Spanish side.

"I am really, really happy to be at this great club, a club with so much history, and here with a manager who knows me really well," James told the club's website.

"I'm looking forward to achieving great things here – and winning things, which is what everyone's aim is. I've come here to try to improve, to get better. I've also come here to help the team to win, to play good football – entertaining football."

???? | And we're pretty happy too, @jamesdrodriguez! ????#AlóJames

— Everton (@Everton) September 7, 2020

Rodriguez is Everton's second major signing in the close-season following the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Allan from Napoli.

Everton finished 12th last term and begin their new Premier League campaign with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.