London – Jose Mourinho’s attempts to unsettle Wayne Rooney will be frustrated by Manchester United’s policy of refusing to sell top players to Premier League rivals.
New Chelsea manager Mourinho risked the wrath of his Old Trafford counterpart David Moyes this week by telling his first press gathering on his return to Stamford Bridge that Rooney should ask himself what it is that makes him happy.
United officials are known to be amused rather than irritated by Mourinho’s blatant courting of the England striker and will not register any dissatisfaction with the FA.
Nevertheless, any official interest from Chelsea in the 27-year-old will be met with a ‘no’ from Moyes and new chief executive Ed Woodward.
Rooney still has grave misgivings about his standing at United, despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to retire.
Rooney ended last season under a cloud after Ferguson left him out of United’s final two Premier League matches and went public on the 27-year-old’s decision to request a move away from Old Trafford back in April, a story revealed by Daily Mail.
Although Rooney’s problems last season were with Ferguson rather than the club, and despite the fact he is keen to explore ways to move forward with Moyes, it is understood he still has concerns about the future.
In particular Rooney is known to be worried about the way the United supporters will receive him, and the influence Ferguson will continue to have as a football board director.
Rooney hopes Moyes’ arrival may herald a new start but so far there have been no lengthy private talks between the pair.
Moyes and Rooney are now on holiday, meaning they are unlikely to resolve the situation before the end of June. Rooney is due back at United for pre-season training on July 3.
Rooney is aware of interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain but wants to see how the land lies at Old Trafford before giving those clubs any real consideration. United have long had a policy that stops them selling top players to rivals in England.
Moyes made his first signing yesterday when Uruguayan right back Guillermo Varela completed a five-year deal. The 20-year-old has sealed his move from Penarol after a deal was agreed last week.
Galatasaray chairman Unal Aysal claimed last night he has had a bid rejected for United winger Nani. Aysal said: “We offered £6m but they didn’t accept and we can’t give any more. They want £8.5m.”
Chelsea have asked to be kept updated on Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who can leave for £13m, a fee they are unwilling to meet. Chelsea are confident of concluding deals for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala and £7m Holland Under 21 midfielder Marco van Ginkel from Vitesse Arnhem. – Daily Mail