Rooney's future

Recently, there has been a lot of speculation on Wayne Rooney's future. Some say that his relationship with manager Alex Ferguson has deteriorated to a negative point. There is no turning back.

If Rooney were to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window, who would his new employers be? Here are some guesses.

Chelsea

The Blues have indicated that they would be keen to take advantage of the situation should the England striker really leave United. Chelsea have the money for the transfer fee and are the only other "big club" in England at the moment.

Rooney would also be the long-term successor of the ageing Didier Drogba. Both would form a formidable attacking force in the Premier League should the Blues sign the former.

Stamford Bridge still looks quite unlikely as the final destination for Rooney though.

Manchester City

A move to the blue half of Manchester? I would say the probability is only one percent. There is already Carlos Tevez, cramming another Rooney into the squad does not sound practical.

Moreover, the guy is going to get lots of abuses from the fans when both Manchester teams play each other.

Barcelona

Barca would be delighted to have a player like Rooney to be part of their team. However, there is already David Villa, the striker they splashed 40 million euros on this summer.

Buying Rooney would not only burden them financially but tactically as well. If Villa were to partner Rooney in a 4-4-2 formation, then where will Messi be?

Real Madrid

The most possible outcome to this story. Rooney reuniting with C.Ronaldo at the Bernabeu can definitely be a reality.

A move to overseas might also be advantageous to Rooney considering the many negative non-football news about him

Karim Benzema, the French striker at Madrid, might be used as in a part exchange deal.
Ferguson is a long-term admirer of the Frenchman and signing the latter would be a dream come true for him.

Many ex-Red Devils who have fallen out with Fergie have moved on to Real Madrid. From David Beckham to Gabriel Heinze to Ruud van Nistelrooy, they have all continued their playing careers at the Spanish club.

Rooney looks set to be the next one.