Russian moneybags Anzhi Makhachkala admitted they would consider a move for Manchester United superstar Wayne Rooney in January.

Backed by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov, Anzhi have made waves in the transfer market recently, with Samuel Eto'o, who was also made the highest paid player, their biggest signing yet.

The Russian club continues to be linked with some of the most high-profile players in Europe, and team director Roberto Carlos believes Rooney could be one of them.

"Why not? (Rooney) is one of the best players in the world and any team would be happy to have him in their squad," the former Real Madrid left-back told Sky Sports News.

"He's still a very young player. Of course I could not say when, and if, it will happen.

"(Kerimov) is capable of doing everything. If the owner of Anzhi has a wish to buy somebody, he will go and do it.

"But we are trying to change the image of the club. It's not just about money. Of course we are going to buy good players but not only international players -- we want to sign good Russian players that are not that expensive."

Rooney was linked with a move away recently after reportedly falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson. However, those rumors were immediately rubbished with the England international striker finding his form in recent games.

Ferguson has successfully employed the forward in a more withdrawn playmaking role to make way for Robin Van Persie, who himself has made quite an impression since signing for the Red Devils in the summer.

The electric duo has struck up quite a partnership, with their understanding seemingly getting better and better with each game.

Therefore, the chances of Rooney, who is one of the highest paid players at Old Trafford, moving away is extremely slim; although if Anzhi were to make an astronomical bid, nothing can be ruled out - but it would have to be quite an extravagant amount.