Wayne Rooney could be a huge influence in Manchester United's pursuit of Chelsea winger Joe Cole this summer.

The Manchester Evening News says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping the pair's potential strike partnership at the World Cup could tip the balance in United's favour as a host of clubs queue up for his signature.

Cole played just off Rooney in the second half of England's final warm up before South Africa against Japan - in what looked a lot like Fabio Capello's first choice XI for the tournament.

And should those two prove a success at the World Cup it could convince Cole that his future lies at Old Trafford, rather than Arsenal, Tottenham or Juventus, who are all chasing him.

Ferguson has tracked the Chelsea man ever since negotiations over a new deal at Stamford Bridge hit complications.