Shakira courted by Live Nation

Shakira is close to agreeing a deal with concert promoter Live Nation to include touring, merchandising and recording rights.

According to Reuters, the Colombian popstar has been in talks over a contract, which could exceed $70 million, for several months.

Live Nation, which reached similar agreements with Madonna, U2 and Jay-Z, aims to offer acts "360-degree" deals that encompass all aspects of a recording artist's career. Traditionally, separate firms have handled touring, ticketing, recording and merchandising.

The 31-year-old's last tour, Oral Fixation, reportedly grossed more than $100 million.

Shakira owes her current label Sony BMG two albums - one in English and the other in Spanish.