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After Wayne Rooney expressed his desire to leave, the big European clubs are sharpening their weapons and counting their savings to buy one of the best strikers in the world.
"Roo Disappointment" (The Sun), "Betrayal" (Daily Mirror) - these were the headlines that greeted English football fans in the local press on Wednesday, focusing on Rooney's decision.
So let's see where the career of England's national team footballer could go if he really decides to leave the 'Red Devils'.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is currently considered the favorite to acquire Rooney, having lured two famous footballers from Manchester in the past - David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Moreover, Spaniards enjoy a slightly more favorable tax situation - it is reported that Rooney is not satisfied with his salary at Man Utd, and high earners in England have to pay higher taxes than in Spain.
However, Real coach Mourinho assured: "He will stay at Man Utd. But, of course, if Rooney is for sale, give me a call."
Barcelona
It is likely that Barcelona would also not be left out. Although Spanish champions did not hesitate to spend a significant sum on Valencia forward David Villa this summer, coach Pep Guardiola would not resist Rooney's charms.
"Wayne is one of the best footballers in the world. There are very few like him. I admire the English game," Guardiola told The Sun.
Chelsea
If he were to stay in England, experts believe Rooney would most likely end up at Chelsea in London.
However, the club's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, was cautious a few days ago and stated: "We have to wait and find out if Rooney really wants to leave Man Utd, if the club really agrees to sell him. Moreover, there would be huge competition for him in the market."
In the Chelsea team, the 25-year-old striker would probably find his place - Didier Drogba is already in his fourth decade and recently mentioned his desire to end his career at Marseille in France, Nicolas Anelka is 31 years old.
Man City
Regardless of how famous a player enters the market, it will not be possible to do without Man City. Financially, perhaps, moving to the club located just a few hundred meters from Rooney's current Man Utd home would be the most attractive.
If Man City pays midfielder Yaya Toure £200,000 a week, would there be any problems with the reported £250,000 demanded by the English forward? Doubtful.
However, Rooney would have to deal with enormous pressure from Red Devils' fans, criticism, mockery, and biting remarks. Carlos Tevez, who switched from Man Utd to Man City, already experienced this, but Rooney's situation as a fan favorite would be even more complicated.
Arsenal and Tottenham
The two London clubs will never be among the favorites to attract Wayne, but, like others, rejecting such a possibility is difficult - after all, it's Rooney!
"We are not in the transfer market at the moment and we are not interested in anything. We have enough players," diplomatically said Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger.
And with a smile, he added: "I am happy to read this story in the press and I am even happier to stay on the sidelines. We are not buying anything - we have enough strikers."
Tottenham's manager Harry Redknapp spoke similarly: "If he decides to stay in England, who knows? We have to be interested in all the best players in the market, but it would be difficult.
"I have no doubt that Rooney will interest the big clubs. But I don't think he will find anything better than Man Utd with the wonderful coach Sir Alex Ferguson."
