Manchester United are ready to tie Wayne Rooney to an incredible SIX-YEAR contract.

The Sun says the England star, 23, has two full seasons left on his current deal after signing a £100,000-a-week package three years ago.

But United plan to begin discussions on a fresh mega-bucks agreement giving Rooney parity with stars like Rio Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo on £125,000 per week.

Old Trafford chiefs traditionally do not allow their top names to get into the final two years of a contract without starting negotiations on a fresh one.

And with Rooney one of football's hottest properties, they know a swift statement of intent will ensure there is no repeat of the Ronaldo-Real Madrid saga, which still refuses to go away.