Barcelona target summer swoop for Rooney

Rooney is greatly admired in the continent (GETTY IMAGES)

Barcelona will test Manchester United's resolve to keep Wayne Rooney with a summer bid, according to reports.

The Daily Mail alleges that the European Champions have already used former United defender Gerard Pique to sound out his old team-mate about a switch to the Nou Camp.

Real Madrid are also said to be monitoring the England striker.

The news follows recent revelations about the state of United's finances. Huge debt interest payments have raised the prospect that manager Sir Alex Ferguson could be forced to sell his best players to raise funds.

The La Liga giants are aware that United would resist a move for their star asset but are encouraged by the fact United may be forced to listen.