By Chris O'Brien
July 23 2006

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has asked Manchester United to part company with his services over the summer. The Dutch international is desperate for a move away from Old Trafford following a spat with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy has officially asked to leave Manchester United.

The Dutch international has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford after being frozen out of first-team affairs towards the business end of last season, and the 30-year-old has now asked Sir Alex Ferguson if he can leave the club over the summer months.

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

"I am waiting for Manchester United chief executive David Gill to fill me in but Ruud van Nistelrooy has asked to leave the club."

Rumours of a rift between Ferguson and Van Nistelrooy intensified when the striker stormed away from United's final game of the season against Charlton having been told he would play no part in the match. A move away is now looking increasingly likely, though there could yet be complications.

United are believed to value the striker, who has netted 150 Red Devils goals in five seasons, at around the £15million mark. However, reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid may be willing to offer only half that fee, whilst such a substantial price tag may also put off Bayern Munich.