'Why not?' Mega-rich Anzhi Makhachkala would consider bid to lure Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to Russia

Mega-rich Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala would consider a bid for Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.

That was the assertion of team director Roberto Carlos who was speaking ahead of their Europa League match tonight against Liverpool at Anfield.

Already among their ranks is the world's highest paid player, Samuel Eto'o, but Carlos says the club's billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov is always on the look out for more world class talent.

Asked if Anzhi would consider a bid for Rooney, former Real Madrid player Carlos said: "Why not? He's one of the best players in the world and any team would be happy to have him in their squad. He's still a very young player.

"Of course I could not say when, and if, it will happen. It's not only Anzhi who can want to buy him. There are plenty of teams in Italy and Spain, all over the world, who are eager to have a player like Rooney.

"If the owner of Anzhi has a wish to buy somebody, he will go and do it. But we are trying to change the image of the club. It's not just about money.

"Of course we are going to buy good players but not only international players. We want to sign good Russian players that are not that expensive."

Rooney came close to leaving Manchester United during the 2010/11 season, saying the club could not meet his ambitions, but a few days later signed a lucrative five-year contract.