Manchester United Transfer News: Wayne Rooney Reportedly Eyed by David Beckham

David Beckham is reportedly targeting a move for his old Manchester United and England team-mate Wayne Rooney as he seeks to set up his own MLS franchise in Miami.

That's according to an exclusive from the Daily Star's Steve Morgan, with Beckham believing Rooney to be "perfect to spearhead" his plan.

Should Rooney make the switch, he could be joined by other familiar names, as Morgan notes "Beckham has been inundated with calls from players and contacts within football who want to be part of the new team he plans to build with a start date pencilled in for the 2018 season."

During the Red Devils' pre-season tour of the United States in the summer, the striker confessed that he could be interested in joining the MLS at the end of his current contract with United, on which he has four years remaining.

Laurent Dubrule/Associated Press

Per the Seattle Times' Matt Pentz (h/t Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News), he said:

"I'm obviously concentrating on Manchester United. When that time comes, [the MLS will] be something that I'd think about. [I'll] sit down with my wife and children and decide if it would be right for me."

Though Rooney's current deal ends in 2019, the 29-year-old—who will then be 33—could perhaps be tempted to move a year early in order to get in at the ground floor with Beckham's team.

A host of other aging stars have recently headed to America in the twilight of their careers, including the likes of David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka, as well as Premier League veterans Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, so a move remains a fairly strong possibility either way.

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Further, United could be willing to make something on Rooney rather than see him leave for free when his contract expires.

What could determine the striker's decision to go in 2018 or 2019 is his status at Old Trafford at the time. Currently, he is of course United's captain and the player most relied upon for goals, despite his shaky domestic form this season.

However, in three years' time, the likes of Anthony Martial and James Wilson will be 22 and though still young likely to have far more experience and goals to their name. Further, the Red Devils are likely to add further firepower in the coming transfer windows as they still lack reliable options beyond Rooney.

It's therefore wholly possible Rooney will no longer be leading the line for United week-in, week-out by then and that could see him leave before the end of his contract.

As for Beckham's franchise, acquiring a name like Rooney's early on would be a significant coup and could lead to yet more marquee signings arriving in Miami.