Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to test Manchester United's resolve over Wayne Rooney. Sport says local Madrid radio reports state Florentino is willing to offer cash plus midfielder Mahamadou Diarra and striker Karim Benzema for Rooney, who would be valued at £70 million.

It's expected the Madrid press will soon ramp up speculation surrounding Rooney as part of a campaign to bring the England star to Spain.

Indeed, Real chiefs will be encouraged by reports in today's English press that United have shelved new contract talks with Rooney until after the World Cup.