Real Madrid have launched a bid to prise Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United.

AS says the United star is the No1 summer target for Real president Florentino Perez and negotiations will begin at €70 million.

While accepting a deal is remote, Florentino and Real GM Jorge Valdano are counting on Rooney's new contract talks to give them an opening.

The England ace's current deal expires in 2012 and his minders are keen to open negotiations about an improved agreement to 2017 before the World Cup.