Manchester City have no qualms rattling Manchester United's cage with a bid for Wayne Rooney.

The Daily Mail says they have discussed it before.

The possibility of a move by City for their rivals' star striker was mooted shortly after Sheik Mansour of Abu Dhabi bought the club two years ago.

During a conversation with chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, former City manager Mark Hughes suggested one of the best ways to catch United would be 'by weakening them' and it was then that a move for Rooney was mentioned.

To Hughes's great surprise, Khaldoon said the money for what would be one of the most remarkable transfers in British football history could be found if required.

It was a show of strength from the City board, who were eager for impact signings when they arrived to prove they meant business.

Since taking over from Hughes at City, manager Roberto Mancini (right) has never had Rooney on his list of targets.

However, this may change now the 24-year-old is effectively on the market.