Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy has passed a medical at Real Madrid and is set to be unveiled as the Spanish club's signing later on Friday.
Van Nistelrooy gives the thumbs up as he undergoes his medical
Madrid announced on their website that the 30-year-old has agreed a three-year contract, but did not reveal the fee.
"I am very happy to be at the best club in the world where I want to score many goals," the Dutch striker told the Real Madrid official website.
"To come here is a football dream and it has finally become reality."
Van Nistelrooy failed a medical when he was about to sign for United in 2001, and ruptured his knee ligaments days later.
But Real Madrid club doctor Alfonso del Corral said Van Nistelrooy had passed the medical with flying colours.
"We've done all the tests and he's in good health," said Dr Del Corral
"He has come back from the World Cup in perfect condition. A previous knee operation that he had six years ago is fine and two or three years ago he had groin surgery but is showing no signs of a recurrence of the injury.
When Real Madrid come looking, you do not have to think
"We consider him in perfect condition to sign for Real Madrid and we've given him the all-clear."
United were believed to be demanding £15m for Van Nistelrooy, who had handed in a written transfer request.
But reports on Thursday said Real, who previously had a bid turned down for the Dutchman, would now pay about £10.2m (15m Euros).
"It is wonderful to be here, a fantastic feeling," added Van Nistelrooy.
"I am very moved at being presented today and then travelling to Austria.
"When Real Madrid come looking, you do not have to think because they are the number one.
"When I look at their history and their players I am very touched because they have many important names."
Van Nistelrooy turned up to pre-season training at United earlier this week
In their statement, Madrid said: "Real Madrid announce they have an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of the player Ruud van Nistelrooy.
"The player will be contracted with the club for the next three seasons.
"He will undergo a medical on Friday morning and will be presented in the evening at 7pm at the Palco de Honor at the Santiago Bernabeu."
If the move goes through, Van Nistelrooy will link up with former United team-mate David Beckham at the Bernabeu.
Van Nistelrooy said the partnership with Beckham was one of the major attractions of moving to the Bernabeu.
"When Beckham left United I was very sad both on a personal level and because of the way we connected on the pitch," he said.
"They were wonderful times that I hope will now be repeated in Madrid."
And Van Nistelrooy singled out Brazilian striker Ronaldo as another player he would be looking forward to playing alongside.
"I have a great desire to play with Ronaldo. He is a phenomenon. His goal record speaks for itself," he added.
It's fantastic that we can now work together
Van Nistelrooy on Real coach Fabio Capello
In addition to Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooy will face competition from Raul, Julio Baptista and Robinho for a starting place.
The striker was also full of praise for Real coach Fabio Capello.
"I've always wanted to be able to train with him," he said.
"When I was at PSV he kept trying to sign me. He's followed me for many years and it's fantastic that we can now work together."
United signed Van Nistelrooy, who returned to training with the Red Devils on Monday, for £19m from PSV Eindhoven in 2001.
Van Nistelrooy will be Madrid's third acquisition since Ramon Calderon won the club's presidential election on 3 July.
Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson have already been signed from troubled Juventus, who look set to begin next season in Serie B after being relegated for their part in the Italian match-fixing scandal.