US PGA champion Rory McIlroy is in line for a $250 million windfall from sports giants Nike.

The Ulsterman is in negotiations with the American sporting firm according to reports in the Irish Times.

The paper says that McIlroy could switch to Nike when his current contract with Titleist/Footjoy expires at the end of the year.

The paper speculates that such a deal could be worth up to $250 million over 10 years to two time major winner McIlroy.

The proposed deal is similar to Tiger Woods’ current contract with Nike.
US marketing experts are of the opinion that McIlroy can rival Woods as a cash machine and earn $1 billion from the sport.

McIlroy has long been considered a sponsor’s dream with his clean cut and articulate style.

London-based publication SportPro Media have rated him as the second most marketable athlete in the world behind Brazilian soccer star Neymar.

The paper also speculates that McIlroy could replace Woods as the face of Nike.

McIlroy’s agent Conor Ridge, from the Dublin based Horizon Sports Management team, said in statement: “As you are aware, Rory is under contract with Titleist.

“It is our policy not to pass comment regarding any industry speculation related to any of our players.”