Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy joined Real Madrid

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will join Real Madrid from Manchester United on a three-year contract, the Primera Liga club said in Madrid on Thursday.

"Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Manchester United for the signing of Ruud van Nistelrooy," the Spanish club said in a statement.

"The player... will take a medical on Friday morning and will be presented in the afternoon at 1700 GMT in the Bernabeu."

The 30-year-old scored 150 goals for United since joining in 2001 for a then British record fee of �19 million ($35.39 million).

He is Real's third signing under new president Ramon Calderon following on from Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro and Brazil midfielder Emerson, and will link up with former Manchester United teammate David Beckham.

Van Nistelrooy, who has scored 28 goals in 54 games for Netherlands.

The Dutchman will face stiff competition from Raul, Robinho, Julio Baptista, Antonio Cassano and Ronaldo for a place in the Real attack, although his arrival is likely to hasten the departure of at least one of the forwards.