See ya: Wayne Rooney looks to be on his way out of Old TraffordUnited’s players believe this contract row is purely about money — not about the breakdown of his relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Wayne Rooney has told his Manchester United team-mates that he WILL consider a move from Old Trafford to neighbours Manchester City.
The United striker is considering his options after telling the club that he will not be extending the 18 months of his current contract.
It emerged last night that there is real interest from City, who will have to pay Rooney £230,000-a-week to broker a deal.
That would make him the highest paid player in the Barclays Premier League. United are unlikely to offer more than £150,000.
Staying put: Coleen Rooney won't leave EnglandRooney’s wife Coleen has already told her husband she will not move abroad, especially while her 12-year-old sister Rosie is seriously ill.
That leaves Rooney with just two options in England as only City and Chelsea can afford both fee and wages.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti yesterday suggested he would consider a move for Rooney, while City manager Roberto Mancini is monitoring the situation.
News that Rooney would consider following Carlos Tevez to the blue side of Manchester will stun United fans.
It is understood Rooney has become so fed up with life at United — in particular what he feels has been the club’s half-hearted approach to new signings — that he has told team-mates he would not baulk at a move to City and is keen to force the issue before the January transfer window.
United are under pressure because under FIFA’s ‘Webster ruling’, Rooney could buy out the last year of his contract for as little as £5million in the summer.
Last night, City sources would not rule out a move for the England forward while
Ferguson and chief executive David Gill were coming to terms with the fact that their
star player’s intention to leave had become public.
Chelsea boss Ancelotti was asked about the issue yesterday and said: ‘Now, Chelsea is not interested because he is theirs and I think they will still be able to resolve this problem.
‘If Rooney is on the market not just Chelsea would be interested.’
Get me a club: Rooney and agent Paul Stretford yesterdayReal Madrid have also been linked with Rooney, but coach Jose Mourinho was careful not to antagonise Ferguson.
Mourinho said: ‘I don’t think he will leave. I think the big man will persuade him to stay.’
But Sportsmail understands there is little chance of that.
source :dailymail
