Press reports in Spain have linked Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with a switch to Real Madrid Football Club. The striker reportedly feels his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end and after five years at the club, would welcome a move.

For the first time since his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2001, the Dutch International has found himself dropped to the bench for long periods. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson chose to deploy Louis Saha in attack throughout much of spring, and even in the Carling Cup Final, in which United eased past Wigan 4-0.

Van Nistelrooy is rumoured to have alerted Real Madrid to his willingness to move away from Old Trafford, though his age he will be 30 in July as well as his susceptibility to injury could prove obstacles in any move to the Bernabeu.