(CNN) -- One of Real Madrid's top officials has distanced the Spanish club from reports that it will launch a big-money January raid on Manchester United's prize asset Wayne Rooney.
British media have been widely speculating that the England striker will not sign an extension to his United contract, which expires in 2012, following an apparent rift with his club manager Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson has not selected Rooney in his starting line-up since newspaper reports emerged last month with claims about alleged marital infidelities, at first saying he was protecting the player and then that he had an ankle injury.
But the 24-year-old last week said he has had no fitness problems this season after returning to action in England's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro.
CNN
