Real Madrid will attempt to prise Manchester United star Wayne Rooney away from Old Trafford before the start of next season.
Real president Fernando Martin expects to be sounded out by United intermediaries about his interest in Ruud van Nistelrooy and will take advantage of the opportunity by asking a price for Rooney.
Rooney's representatives held talks with Real Madrid when he first became available at Everton, but decided against going for the then 18 year-old over concerns with his personality.
However, Rooney's success at United has convinced Real's board to make a serious move for the England ace. Indeed, Real's top drawer marketing team see Rooney as a bigger endorsement earner than their own David Beckham.
Real are banking on United's American owners, the Glazer family, needing to make a big sale to balance the books in the summer.
Real president Fernando Martin expects to be sounded out by United intermediaries about his interest in Ruud van Nistelrooy and will take advantage of the opportunity by asking a price for Rooney.
Rooney's representatives held talks with Real Madrid when he first became available at Everton, but decided against going for the then 18 year-old over concerns with his personality.
However, Rooney's success at United has convinced Real's board to make a serious move for the England ace. Indeed, Real's top drawer marketing team see Rooney as a bigger endorsement earner than their own David Beckham.
Real are banking on United's American owners, the Glazer family, needing to make a big sale to balance the books in the summer.
