Sir Alex Ferguson has announced that Ruud van Nistelrooy has requested to leave Manchester United.

Ruud has been linked with pssible moves to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

"There may be some interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich," said Ferguson.

"I'm waiting for David Gill to fill me in but Ruud has asked to leave."

Ruud's agent Roger Linse said that Ruud is keen to leave Old Trafford.

He said: "Only if Manchester United reach an agreement with a club, will I respond to reports. But Ruud hopes to announce a new club before he has to be in training at Manchester on July 24."

Real Madrid are reported to offer £10million for van Nistelrooy.

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