Real keeping tabs on Rooney

REAL Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has indicated an interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney if the player cannot be persuaded to stay at Old Trafford.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Rooney’s representatives had told United chief executive David Gill on August 14 the player wanted to leave.

The timing rules out the possibility of any unhappiness over the handling of Rooney’s ankle injury. Ferguson also confirmed United’s offer was “the best contract any player could have”.

Gill and Ferguson have both stressed to Rooney that the opportunity to resume talks still exists, and though Real are one of the few clubs with the financial muscle to sign Rooney, their coach Mourinho still expects the player to remain at Old Trafford.