Ligue 1 side Monaco are eyeing a sensational swoop for Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney, according to the French club.
Vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has hinted that the Ligue 1 runners-up were close to signing Rooney last summer and remain confident that they can reach a deal in the near future.
Rooney handed in a transfer request during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final year with the club as boss, which led to numerous reports of a move to big-spending Monaco.
However, a move failed to materialise and Rooney signed a new and improved contract at Old Trafford, becoming captain in the process.
But Vasilyev told reporters this week that he believes the England international will play for Monaco in the future.
“One year ago, we were discussing one of the top players of the Premier League, a top English player,” Vasilyev told reporters.
“But it was on the table. This opportunity finally did not happen, but I think one day that it will come, that it will happen.”
Monaco’s spending has stopped for the time being and they have sold the likes of James Rodriguez to Real Madrid and Radamel Falcao on loan to Man United, but Vasilyev insists that the club will be spending again soon.
“I wouldn’t really compare Monaco to any other club,” he added. “Our ambition is eventually to win the title of French champions. This is true. I will not give you a time frame, but we would like to do it as soon as possible.
“We would like to be one of the clubs that plays regularly in the Champions League. I think we can play an important role on the European scene.”