Manchester United Ready To Let Rooney Go If Replacement Is Found

 

Chelsea have been offered a glimmer of hope in their bid to sign Wayne Rooney.

Jose Mourinho has been told that Manchester United are prepared to do business - but only if they can find a replacement for the unsettled striker.

The Special One has made clear his intention to make a third approach for Rooney before the transfer window slams shut, with sources close to the club suggesting it would be at a ceiling of around £30million.

Champions United have already made contact with the west Londoners to make clear their position, but without slamming the door totally shut.

Manager David Moyes is becoming increasingly irritated with the constant chatter linking his centre-forward with the Stamford Bridge club, and increasingly frustrated at having to deal with the issue.

He wants to concentrate on his own search for the new signings he promised to make before the window shuts, and United have made clear his feelings in conversations with The Blues hierarchy.

The situation is complicated because Rooney wants a new contract if he stays, and United are determined to wait to see if he deserves a new deal - and a pay-rise on his already eye-watering £250,000-a-week salary.

Moyes though, knows he can’t allow one of his biggest stars to leave before he has a marque signing lined up to appease the fans and offer a serious declaration of intent.

The problem though, is two-fold.

The Scot has failed in a succession of bids to get new signings in, the latest becoming an embarrassment when Everton called the slightly bizarre £28m double offer for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini “derisory and an insult”.

Moyes is preparing another, improved bid for the pair, but he also wants an attacking midfielder who can play in the role he planned for Rooney -behind Robin van Persie.