Atlético agree deal for Porto's Rodríguez

UEFA Europa League winners Club Atlético de Madrid have reached an agreement with FC Porto for the services of Uruguayan winger Cristian Rodríguez who arrives at the Vicente Calderón on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old – who scored 12 times in 70 top-flight appearances for Porto over the past four seasons – will pen a four-year deal on his return from international duty with Uruguay in the coming weeks.

Rodríguez began his career with CA Peñarol before moving to Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain FC. A loan switch to SL Benfica followed before a successful spell at Porto where he won three league titles and three Portuguese Cups. The winger was also part of the Dragões' 2011 UEFA Europa League-winning squad.

Commenting on the signing, Atlético sporting director José Luis Caminero said: "Cristian Rodríguez is a very quick, offensive-minded player with a lot of character. He is a winner. He offers us a lot of options going forward as he can play on either flank." Atlético will begin the defence of their UEFA Europa League title from the group stage next season.