Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has admitted his admiration for Wayne Rooney, but the French club have not made an approach for the Manchester United striker.

Rooney’s absence from the United side for last month’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid sparked suggestions the England international could leave Old Trafford in the summer.

United manager Alex Ferguson quickly poured cold water on the prospect but it did not stop rumours of Rooney's departure, with PSG one of the few clubs who could match his ambitions and wages.

“He is a great player, he is one of the best strikers in the world,” Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports News.

“I think everybody would like to have him but, if you want to talk about the fact, we didn’t approach him.”