Wayne Rooney Linked To Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City

Wayne Rooney has refused a new contract at Manchester United, prompting speculation he will leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the most likely destinations for the 24-year-old, who could command a transfer fee of £50million and wages of £300,000/week in the deal.

The 24-year-old English striker has reportedly fallen out with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who he publicly defied last week by contradicting Ferguson's explanation that an ankle injury had been behind his absences from the field this season.

It has also been suggested Ferguson clashed with Rooney over his highly-publicized marital problems.

Rooney's current £90,000/week deal at United ends in June 2012, and the club will not want to see his value dip as that date approaches. Equally, a loan deal would not be in the club's interests.

Local rivals City clearly have the financial clout to bring Rooney to Eastlands, a move which would allow the player and his family to remain living in the area.

A move to Real Madrid would see Rooney reunited with Cristiano Ronaldo. Club president Florentino Perez and manager Jose Mourinho are both outspoken fans of Rooney as a player.

As for Barcelona, the possibility of Rooney linking up with Lionel Messi would have the neutrals purring. And it might just happen.