Real Madrid have a penchant for taking Manchester United’s best players off their hands in their prime.
The likes of David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have been lured to the Santiago Bernabeu in the past.
Is it now Wayne Rooney’s turn to switch Manchester for Madrid?
Rumors circulating in the British Press on Wednesday state that Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is a huge admirer of Rooney, 28, and believes the United forward is attainable this summer due to the Red Devils struggles on the pitch and his current deal expiring in the summer of 2015.
The likes of Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao and Luis Suarez are all being chased by Madrid, but it’s thought that Perez is especially keen to land Rooney as the England international will be the cheaper option and this may be the perfect time for all parties.
Currently Madrid only have one top international recognized striker on the books, Karim Benzema, and Carlo Ancelotti is keen to add Rooney to his forward line. It is believed Man United are extremely reluctant to let Rooney leave, but instead of getting nothing for him next January or in the summer it’s believed they’re willing to strike a deal of $38 million with Real this summer.
(MORE: Wednesday’s Transfer Rumor Roundup - Rodrigo to Arsenal, Dante to Manchester United)
Rooney has recently stalled on a new contract and with just 18-months remaining on his current deal, the United forward is said to be contemplating renewing the great partnership he had with Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo when they led the line together at United. The duo tore it up for the Red Devils and if you throw Gareth Bale into the mix, that’s quite the attacking trio that Madrid could have at their disposal.
Aguero is thought to be Real’s first-choice but with the Argentine striker playing so well for Manchester City and the Premier League club not wanting to sell at any price, Rooney looks like a better option. United want to open contract talks with Rooney following the end of the season, as they want to tie him down to a long-term deal before the World Cup in Brazil.
But as the Red Devils languish in seventh spot and David Moyes’ bumpy transition sees them in real danger of not qualifying for the Champions League, maybe this is the perfect time for the creative masterpiece of United’s attack to jump ship and protect his legendary status at Old Trafford?
If Real do come calling, it would be hard for Rooney to turn them down.
