Rooney agent's Madrid mission

When asked if that meant there is space for Rooney, he added: 'At Real Madrid there is always space for the best players in the world.'

During the election campaign, Perez has been adamant that he would not reveal the names of transfers targets until after the ballot but Stretford's trip would indicate that Rooney is high on Real's shopping list. Perez will have been buoyed by Sir Bobby Charlton's assertion at the weekend that Manchester United have no plans to sign the teenage sensation.

Whether Charlton - a director at Old Trafford - was speaking for the club in an official capacity was unclear but his statement certainly raised eyebrows among Rooney's advisers, who had been led to believe a bid from United would be forthcoming.

Newcastle United have also emerged as dark horses in the race to capture European football's hottest property, while Chelsea continue to monitor the situation.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd refused to confirm reports that his club could raise the cash to fund a move for Rooney, saying: 'I never discuss other clubs' players.'

Perez was expected to beat off the challenge of rivals Lorenzo Sanz and Arturo Baldasano to retain the presidency of Real when the result was announced late last night.

A Perez victory would seem to secure the future of David Beckham at Real. Sanz and Baldasano had stated publicly in the run-up to last night's vote that they would be willing to part company with the England skipper.

However, Perez - the man who signed Beckham for £25m from Manchester United - appeared on course to gain a mandate from members to run the club for the next four years, while the 29-year-midfielder still has three years remaining on his contract at Real.

Beckham is set for a battle for his place in the starting side as Perez wants to sign a central midfielder, with Porto's Costinha and Real Sociedad's Xavi Alonso being touted as potential recruits.