Report: Sir Alex Ferguson wants Wayne Rooney sale

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly hopeful of selling Wayne Rooney before Friday's transfer deadline.

The 26-year-old, who arrived from Everton for an initial fee of £20m eight years ago, sensationally signed a new five-year contract in October 2010 just two days after handing in a transfer request at Old Trafford.

Rooney began Saturday's 3-2 win over Fulham on the bench and, following the £24m arrival of Robin van Persie from Arsenal, his place in the Red Devils' starting XI is no longer guaranteed.

It was claimed last week that Ferguson would be willing to consider bids in the region of £50m for the sale of Rooney.

However according to The Mirror, Ferguson's relationship with the player has completely broken down and the Scot is now prepared to accept £40m to see the player leave.

Rooney has made 253 Premier League appearances for United, scoring 129 goals.