Uruguayan defender Jose Luis Rodriguez says he is close to agreeing a move to Real Madrid, with the formalities potentially being completed by this weekend.

The 21-year-old right-back plays for Danubio, the same Uruguayan club where famous compatriots Diego Forlan, Edinson Cavani, and Jose Gimenez started their careers.

Rodriguez, who will initially join Madrid’s Castilla side if he moves, says there was a chance a transfer could have been completed before Europe’s August 31 deadline.

“Before Aug. 31 there was the opportunity to go [to Real Madrid],” Rodriguez said to Sport 890. “My agent is talking to them now, and in these next few days I should be able to travel and try to close it.”

There is a possibility that he gets loaned back to Danubio after signing for Madrid, Rodriguez confirmed.

“Yes [coming back to Danubio is one option],” he said.

He also revealed that Los Blancos are not the only European club to have expressed an interest in the defender, although he added that only his agent knows the identity of the club.

“There is another side, but I would be lying if I told you I knew who it was.”

Rodriguez added that he’s likely to miss Danubio’s next fixture, against Boston River on Sunday, as his transfer gets finalised.

“I will not be playing in the next match, I think.

“I trained all week like normal, but not as a starter. The manager knows I won’t be starting.”

Rodriguez will have a fellow Uruguayan at Madrid in midfielder Federico Valverde, who moved to the Bernabeu in 2016 from Penarol and is currently with the club’s B side. The pair have spoken about Rodriguez’s impending move.

“Yes, I’ve talked to him,” Rodriguez said. “It’s very good to have people you know people somewhere you could end up living.”

The youngster says he’s “anxious” to complete a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“We will be looking to travel soon – possibly before the weekend.

“Right now, nothing is concrete so I am very anxious.

“I lost a few a days’ sleep while I waited for this to be resolved. I have already got my bags packed – but only halfway.”