Leading the chase: Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero
(left) could move across town
Real Madrid are ready to move for Argentina ace Sergio
Aguero after losing confidence in their pursuit of Wayne
Rooney.
Bernebeu president Florentino Perez dreams of making
Manchester United star
Rooney his new 'Galactico' this summer, but fears it will be
impossible to prise another star from Old Trafford just a year
after signing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Sources in Spain suggest intermediaries recently
approached Rooney's camp and floated the idea of a £65million
transfer, but it seems Madrid have been encouraged to look
elsewhere.
United hero: Wayne Rooney
An alternative move for Aguero would be controversial
because he is the star player of city rivals Atletico Madrid, but
striking a deal is helped by the 21-year-old having a £54million
release clause written into his contract.
United and
Chelsea are also huge admirers of the forward, who
priced himself out of a move to England last summer with high wage
demands.
Aguero has shown great commitment to Atletico, who plucked him
from River Plate four years ago, but there is a growing feeling he
has outgrown a faltering club who are unlikely to qualify for next
season's Champions League following a torrid start to the
season.
Madrid are determined to land one from a short list of Aguero,
Rooney and Valencia's David Villa.
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Rooney is not for sale and the player
has also pledged commitment to Old Trafford.