The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to the Spanish giants before but has always pledged his loyalty to United.

However, close friend and agent Rodger Linse has reopened the debate over Van Nistelrooy's future by revealing he would like to move one day.

Linse is quoted in the Mail on Sunday as saying: "It's possible that things are going to happen next summer but that's all I will say for the moment.

Indeed, Linse claims van Nistelrooy has already rejected the chance to earn more money by moving to Madrid.