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Real Madrid president Perez rules out move for Rooney

Wayne Rooney is one of the hottest properties in Europe © Getty Images

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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has brushed aside suggestions that Jose Mourinho is planning a summer swoop for Wayne Rooney, insisting there is no space in the squad for the Manchester United man.

Rooney scored 43 goals in all competitions last season and he is widely respected in Europe for his never-say-die attitude. Mourinho is a known admirer but, despite the presence of Rooney's friend Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid and a growing debt at Old Trafford, Perez insists there is no plan to raid United over the summer.

"In Rooney's position we already have very good players," Perez stated, referring to Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka, Raul, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo.

He then turned his thoughts to Barcelona magician Lionel Messi, who has also been linked to Madrid in a move that would spark memories of Luis Figo's sensational switch from Camp Nou.

"Messi is the second best player in the world, after Cristiano, and it wouldn't be good to have them in the same team," Perez said, hinting that Madrid would ruin La Liga with both men in the same side.

"This way, there is more competition," he added.

One man who does appear to be on his way to the Santiago Bernabeu is Inter Milan right back, Maicon, who was a favourite of Mourinho's during his time in Italy. Mourinho has already outlined his desire to move Sergio Ramos to a more central role, and Maicon is expected to complete a move after the World Cup.

"There is no rush, but Maicon is one of the great players in the world in his position," Perez commented.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.