Russell Crowe is reportedly close to reaching a six-figure settlement with the hotel porter he allegedly threw a phone at.

Sources claim the hot-headed actor is set to pay out a lot less to New York hotel worker Nestor Estrada than the $10million sum that was recently rumoured by the media.

According to America's New York Daily News newspaper, insiders say Estrada's lawyers have asked for compensation in "the high six figures".

New York District Attorney Robert Morgenthau is also quoted as saying: "If Crowe and Estrada settle it, great. If Estrada's happy, we're happy."

In June, Russell was charged with second degree assault and possession of a weapon after he allegedly attacked Estrada with a telephone because he couldn't get a call through to his wife.

The 'Gladiator' star is said to have hurled a phone and a ceramic bowl at the hotel worker in a furious rage.

Russell, famed for his wild temper, reportedly ripped the handset from the socket in his suite before storming downstairs and attacking Estrada - because he was upset he was not able to say "goodnight" to his baby son, Charlie.

Source: Press Release