Real Madrid are reportedly lining up a move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

United have been linked with a club-record £37m bid for Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata, and Los Blancos are said to be exploring the possibility of landing Rooney should the Spaniard move to Old Trafford, according to The Times.

The England international was hankering for a move away from United in the summer months, but the Red Devils rejected two bids from Chelsea, while reported interest from Arsenal never materialised into a formal offer.

However, the nine-time European champions believe that they can pounce on the uncertainty surrounding the Mata deal to make a move for Rooney, which is likely to be in the summer.

Despite United's struggling campaign this season, Rooney has been one of their standout players, but the former Everton star is currently out injured.