Manchester United are setting their sights on a deal for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema as a possible replacement for Wayne Rooney, according to the Sun.

Benzema could be one of new manager David Moyes' first signings in the summer if Rooney gets his way and forces through a switch out of the club.

United have had a long-standing interest in the French international and actually tried to sign him from Lyon for £35m prior to his transfer to Real in 2009.

It's believed the Premier League champions will listen to offers for Rooney starting at the £25m mark, and if he can be sold those funds will be reinvested immediately to secure the signature of a new forward such as Benzema.

Nothing will be decided on the England international's future until Moyes takes up office at Old Trafford following his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

It had been suggested in some quarters that Rooney was against the idea of working with the Scot again after a falling out between the pair during their time together at Everton.

Rooney made some derogatory comments about Moyes in his autobiography, but that rift was healed some time ago, with the incoming United boss praising the forward's maturity after the man who gave him his debut as a 16-year-old received a call of apology.

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