Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a row between Chelsea and Manchester United over a bid for the player which was rejected by the Old Trafford outfit yesterday.
Chelsea confirmed they want to buy Rooney, who is in dispute with United over comments made by manager David Moyes when he spoke to journalists in Bangkok last week.
Rooney arriving in Bangkok for United’s tour. PIC/AFP
ADVERTISEMENT
However, they are furious at suggestions David Luiz or Juan Mata had been offered as makeweights in the deal.u00a0The Stamford Bridge outfit are certain United were responsible for that suggestion, which they insist was not true.
“Chelsea Football Club can today confirm that yesterday it made a written offer to Manchester United for the transfer of Wayne Rooney,” said Chelsea in a statement.
“Although the terms of that offer are confidential, for the avoidance of doubt and contrary to what is apparently being briefed to the press in Sydney, the proposed purchase does not include the transfer or loan of any players from Chelsea to Manchester United.”
There has actually been no suggestion that United — currently in Sydney as part of a pre-season tour — either confirmed the bid, or put the names of Mata and Luiz into the public domain.
For their part, the Blues believe Mata and Luiz — both still on their summer break after featuring in the Confederations Cup — are key to their long-term plans and want Rooney to be part of Jose Mourinho’s second coming.
It brings an additional twist to a story that is likely to rumble on for most of the summer.u00a0Last week, Mourinho expressed his admiration for Rooney.
But the offer has been made with the England striker back in Manchester for treatment on a hamstring injury and at a time when he is annoyed at the depiction by Moyes of him being a back-up for Robin van Persie.
So deep is his fury, sources claimed he was “angry and confused” about Moyes’ statement, it seems impossible his nine-year stay at Old Trafford can be salvaged.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
