By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

MIAMI ' The Red Sox are close to a deal with one of the top international free agents, 18-year-old shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin of Taiwan.

The $2.05 million deal is not complete according to baseball sources. But sources in Taiwan indicated that Lin is in the final stages of an agreement and is either in Boston or will soon be.

A lefthanded hitter with speed and a strong arm, Lin has been pursued by the Yankees for several years. New York reportedly attempted to sign him for $350,000 in 2010 but Lin was not old enough. Lin is represented by Scott Boras.

Teams are moving quickly with international free agent before new rules that restrict spending start next month.

Lin's deal would be a record for Taiwanese position player.

Adding Lin to the organization should not be seen as any sort of indictment of Jose Iglesias. At 18, Lin is a few years away from being ready for the big leagues and shortstops quite often end up at different positions.