Man United likely to flog lynchpin to Real Madrid over Chelsea

Manchester United’s resignation not to sell to a Premier League rival and the prospect of playing alongside old mate Cristiano Ronaldo again makes a switch to Real Madrid a distinct possibility for Wayne Rooney.

Chelsea twice had offers for Rooney rebuffed in the summer and now La Liga royalty Real Madrid have declared a discernible interest in procuring Wazza’s services, a move to Stamford Bridge grows more improbable still.

In fact, a move to either club during the January transfer window would also appear on the unlikely side according to Ladbrokes, who have a Bernabeu switch at 4/1 and a transfer to west London at an even murkier 10/1.

However, with only 18 months left on his current United deal and his club seemingly plotting a collision course towards Champions League qualification failure, it’s widely understood the summer will see Rooney finally cut his Old Trafford ties.

Much could yet depend on how the Red Devils fare, though in Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, Rooney has a long-term admirer and one who is willing to offer £25m to test the champions’ resolve come summer.

Further credence to a potential move was added when Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claimed at the start of the window that although United were resolutely refusing to sell to another Premier League rival, they are receptive to losing Rooney to a foreign club.

Another obvious sweetener for a potential switch to Real is the fact Rooney would be rekindle his on-pitch chemistry with the world’s best footballer Ronaldo.

With Karim Benzema the only recognised big-name centre-forward in the Bernabeu ranks to oust, Rooney would almost be guaranteed a place in the team alongside old pal Ronny as well.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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