Rumour: Chelsea plan £30 million bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney

In a bid to coax Manchester United into releasing Wayne Rooney, Chelseaare reportedly plotting an astonishing £30 million move, according to the Daily Mail.

Jose Mourinho’s admiration for the England international is almost as well publicised as the difficulties encountered during contract talks between Rooney and United in the past. During the summer, the Chelsea boss even issued the ex-Everton striker an 48-hour ultimatum through the media, in order to press Rooney into making a decision as to whether or not he wished to stay at Old Trafford.

United rejected several bids for the striker as David Moyes insisted Rooney was not for sale but the development of several factors since have been to Mourinho’s advantage. Although Moyes maintains a vision of a Man United side in which Rooney plays a integral role, the forward is entering the final 18 months of a contract yet to be extended. United executive chairman is in contact with Rooney’s agent, but with looming doubts over whether the reigning champions can qualify for next season’s Champions League, persuading their star player to stay may prove challenging.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s current strike-force have experienced an overall disappointing season so far. The combined Premier League goalscoring tally of Demba Ba, Samuel Eto’o and Fernando Torres is currently an underwhelming seven. Wayne Rooney, alone, has scored nine so far this season.

Wayne Rooney made more assists in the Premier League during 2013 than any other player (12).