But as in the case of Ronaldo, Rooney himself will hold the key to any successful bid from the Nou Camp. The Scouser has never expressed a desire to move abroad and with wife Coleen just having given birth to their first child, Barca's bid will give him a huge dilemma.

United had no choice but to surrender to Ronaldo's desire to go to the Bernabeu, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping Rooney is less inclined to leave. The England forward is now seen as the focal point of the United team and Fergie would fight even harder to keep Rooney than he did Ronaldo.

Rooney suggested this week he wanted to stay at Old Trafford for life. However, the prospect of joining up with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta under manager Pep Guardiola is sure to be tempting.

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