Rory McIlroy is reportedly set to go back on his word and join LIV Golf in a blockbuster deal that would send ripple effects across professional golf.

The Northern Irishman was LIV Golf's biggest critic when it first emerged as a rival to the PGA Tour.

McIlroy's stance began to soften last year when the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund signed a framework agreement for a possible partnership.

But while the four-time major champion was open to the idea of a merger, he continued to 'hate LIV' and even went as far to say he would retire if the Saudi-backed tour was the 'last place on Earth to play golf'.

Just last month, McIlroy reiterated his stance that he would never join LIV.

"It's not for me," McIlroy said. "I'm too much of a traditionalist.

"I love winning golf tournaments and looking at the trophy and seeing that Sam Snead won this trophy or Ben Hogan or Gene Sarazen or Jack Nicklaus or Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Nick (Faldo), whoever it is. The people that came before me.

"That, to me, is a big deal in our game."

However, a bombshell report from City A.M. claims McIlroy is now 'close' to agreeing a blockbuster move to the rival tour.

It's claimed that McIlroy has been offered a deal worth a mindboggling £685million - as well as a two per cent equity in the competition.

If true, the deal could potentially be the turning point for professional golf with McIlroy being the biggest coup by far for LIV Golf.

The report adds that an announcement 'could be announced after the Masters'.

McIlroy is back in action this week at the RBC Heritage, which will be the fifth Signature Event of the PGA Tour season.

He's not currently listed to speak to the media on the PGA's official media channels, however he will likely be asked about the bombshell reports.

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It's also not clear how McIlroy would fit into LIV's current season with the campaign already approaching the halfway mark.

LIV has utilised 'wild cards' at events since it's inaugural season with Anthony Kim recently signing up without a team.

The next LIV event will be held in Adelaide on April 28, which comes in a week where McIlroy may not be playing.