Suarez emerges as replacement for Rooney at Manchester United

Luis Suarez has emerged as the potential successor to Wayne Rooney, talkSPORT understands.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson dropped a bombshell ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash against Bursaspor on Tuesday after sensationally revealing Rooney wants to leave Old Trafford.

Ferguson stunned everyone when he said: "We've helped him with his private life and other matters so we're as bemused as anyone can be because we can't understand why he would want to leave a club that is successful as we are in British football."

And now the daunting task of finding Rooney's replacement has begun - and Ajax striker Suarez has emerged as a target.

The Uruguay forward, still only 23, scored an incredible 49 times in 48 club appearances last season and was valued at £25m before the World Cup started.

He scored three goals out in South Africa while Rooney endured a nightmare tournament and Suarez has previously spoken of his admiration for United and Ferguson.

And now a move could be on the cards after insiders at Ajax claimed they would let Suarez leave if he wanted to.

United will have to sort out Rooney's future and get as much money as they can for him before they make a bid for a replacement but talkSPORT understands Ajax will let Suarez go for around £30m.

Insiders at the Dutch club have confirmed that if an offer comes in for Suarez they will accept it if it means their valuation and talkSPORT has been told that the Uruguayan would favour a move to Old Trafford should Ferguson come in with a bid.