James Rodríguez set to join Atlético Nacional

James Rodríguez has a verbal agreement to join Atlético Nacional, according to Fabrizio Romano, ending three months at MLS side Minnesota United and putting an end to talk of a move to Italy's Avellino.

Romano reports the deal is 'in place' with formal steps to follow. Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra said on Thursday that the 35-year-old midfielder, and the Medellín club's Social media accounts have since posted repeatedly about the number 10, without confirming anything directly.

Gianluca Di Marzio reported on Thursday that Rodríguez had turned down two offers from Avellino, who play in Italy's Serie B under Alessandro Nesta and had been chasing him for days. Di Marzio said the Italian side have not given up hope, but the momentum has swung firmly towards Colombia.

A return to Atlético Nacional would take Rodríguez back to his Country's top flight for the first time since he left boyhood club Envigado in 2008. He is Colombia's all-time leading appearance maker and won the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup. His stint at Minnesota United, a free-agent move made after leaving Real Madrid and Bayern Munich among other clubs, lasted only three months before he became available again.

No official announcement has been made by either club.