Rooney is Real's top target - report

Big-spending Real Madrid, who suffered an embarrassing Champions League exit, are eyeing Manchester United star Wayne Rooney as they prepare for next season, according to reports.

The 24-year-old is the "favourite" of Real chairman Florentino Perez "for the new plan," the newspaper ABC said.

Perez "has had his eye on Rooney for a long time, even more so in view of the great season he's having."

The England striker has unleashed an incredible burst of 24 goals in his last 22 matches that have kept United in contention in both the Premier League and Champions League.

But Spanish media say it is unlikely that Rooney will follow former United star David Beckham to Spain.

Real are unlikely to accept the probable 70-million-euro price tag and United manager Alex Ferguson is unwilling "to lose a player who is a substitute for Cristiano" Ronaldo, the Portuguese winger who was signed by Real last year for a world record fee.

Sports daily Marca reported Real are also keen on Chelsea's England defender Ashley Cole to boost their back line.

The club splashed out more than 250 million euros on world stars last summer and are currently top of the Primera Liga on goal difference from Barcelona.

But their exit from the Champions League in the last-16 stage to Lyon last week means they are now looking to prepare for next season.