Unsettled and unwanted captain Wayne Rooney is believed to have turned down a £300,000 per week contract offer to join the Chinese Super League according to the chairman of Beijing Guoan, Lou Ning, told a Beijing radio show:
“We indeed made an approach for Rooney at the beginning of the season but he’s informed us that he wants to stay in Manchester United. Rooney says he’ll keep playing in the Premier League as long as his health allows. We even met with his agent.”
Rooney has been linked with a number of clubs in recent weeks, from a move to China or the MLS to a switch to join Inter Milan in the Serie A or even a return to Goodison Park. Where his future lies remains unclear, but the striker seems to be keen on seeing out his contract at the club.
Another man who could be leaving Old Trafford for Merseyside could be Memphis Depay, who the Liverpool Echo claim is nearing a loan move to Everton in the January transfer window. Jose Mourinho is happy to allow him to leave, but a move to a competitor for European football may not be the best solution.
Serie A club Roma are also monitoring the situation of the 22-year-old with a move likely to take the form of a loan move until the summer before turning permanent.
Antoine Griezmann has sparked fresh life into speculation linking the Atletico forward with a move to Old Trafford by revealing what he talks about with close friend Paul Pogba, he said:
“I always ask Paul Pogba about Manchester United. I think they are a huge club with a really good infrastructure. I ask Paul about some of the players, and if they’re really that good, or if Jose Mourinho is really that good. You hear a lot of things (speculation) about Manchester United and Paris St Germain but right now I don’t see me moving to a new club. But It would be awesome to play alongside Paul one day.”
The Frenchman is one of the most in demand players in the world and United face a tough challenge to persuade him to leave Madrid, with Chelsea and PSG amongst those to be linked.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Craig Ballantyne.