Real president drops another Rooney hint

On the day when he is expected to be re-elected as Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez again hinted that the club may make a future move for England striker Wayne Rooney.

Perez is standing for the presidency alongside Lorenzo Sanz and Arturo Baldesano – a result is expected tonight – but polls carried out in Madrid over the past few days suggest he will be handed a second term despite the team’s dismal end to last season.

Speaking at his campaign headquarters this morning, Perez spoke of his determination to address the problems at the Bernabeu to ensure they return to the pinnacle in Spain and on the continent.

“We are working towards making a Real Madrid for the 21st century,” he said.

When asked by PA International if that meant there would be space for Rooney, Perez added: “At Real Madrid there is always space for the best players in the world.”

Perez has already stated that, should he stay in power, more control will be given to the club’s coach.

Last season, Carlos Queiroz was perceived as a failure but in truth he had minimal say in team affairs as Perez and sporting director Jorge Valdano assumed control.

Queiroz has since been sacked and former Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho placed in charge.

And Perez has yet to speak to the new man regarding possible signings, including Everton’s Rooney.

Perez told Radio Marca on Friday: “He (Rooney) is a very good player but I haven’t spoken to Camacho about questions like this.”