Real Madrid will target unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, according to the Mail Online. The nine-time European champions are presently without a manager but are expected to name former AC Milan and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti as head coach shortly.

Wayne Rooney
Reuters

The Italian, who won the Champions League in 2003 and 2007 with the Rossoneri, is currently with Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain (PSG). But Marca believes it is only a "matter of hours" before Santiago Bernabeu officials announce the 54-year-old as replacement for Jose Mourinho.

However, regardless of the fact they do not have a manager as yet (officially, anyway), the Spanish giants have already acted to complete or begin several key transfers.

Florentino Perez has authorised the return of several Castilla players who were previously sold to other clubs for first team experience, with right-back Daniel Carvajal the most prominent name.

In addition, a €30m deal for Malaga playmaker Isco is believed to be close to completion as well, with Madrid set to beat Manchester City to Spain's U20 star.

And Uruguay international Edinson Cavani could be set to arrive as well, after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis told press in Italy "at this time, Real Madrid are the only club who have made a firm offer for Cavani". A move for the South American will likely cost in excess of €60m.

Wayne Rooney Leaving Old Trafford?

Meanwhile, Rooney's potential arrival has slipped under the radar in most reports. The England international is believed to be unsettled at Old Trafford, following a demotion in the pecking order and the appointment of Everton manager David Moyes to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson; Rooney and Moyes do not have the best of working relationships.

The Metro reports the forward has demanded United apologise for what he says are incorrect claims about him lodging a transfer request earlier in the season. The incident in questioned happened when Ferguson was still in charge: the Scot said, ahead of his final game at home, "I don't think Wayne was keen to play simply because he's asked for a transfer."

However, it now appears United never recieved any such request. And this is likely to further strain relations between the club and player.

The Mail believes Rooney would prefer to join Mourinho at Chelsea but Madrid may announce themselves in any race to sign the 27­-year-old, on the advice of Ancelotti. The report claims both Chelsea and Madrid will have to pay £30m and match the player's £250,000 per week wage, which shouldn't be a problem for either side.

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney Real Madrid