The transfer window might have shut two weeks ago, but the rumours surrounding players and clubs haven’t stopped and, if anything, are likely to grow increasingly louder between now and January.
Having been linked with a move away from the club over the summer, Wayne Rooney seems to be gradually endearing himself again to team-mates and fans alike (personally, the “Rooooooooooney”, “Rooooooooooney” chants remain utterly pathetic and are definitely premature) but he could find himself at the centre of another transfer saga this winter.
The Daily Mail claims that Arsenal are set to test United’s resolve once more and could submit a £30m for the England striker in January, as they look to bolster a frontline which, despite Olivier Giroud’s fine form, remains rather short of options. Meanwhile, after a turbulent summer, Rooney has notched two assists and a goal in his three Premier League appearances so far.
Last month United received two offers from Chelsea for the England striker and rebuffed both of them as David Moyes stressed his desire not to sell to a direct rival, therefore it’s difficult to believe that the United manager would sanction such a transfer midway through the campaign, particularly after the arrival of Mesut Ozil has boosted Arsenal’s credentials.
The Mail, however, claims that Ozil could play a big part in convincing Rooney to leave Manchester for the capital as the German playmaker’s arrival is a clear statement of intent from Arsene Wenger and the North London club, one which could put them in pole-position to secure the 27-year-old.
United are prepared to offer a new contract to Rooney, whose current deal expires in 18 months, but have made clear that they’re happy to wait until January before opening talks with the England striker’s camp and are fully aware of the need to tie Rooney to a long term deal to avoid losing him for a fraction of the price, should he enter the final year of his contract.
The United striker was expected to miss yesterday’s match against Crystal Palace. Instead he played and scored his first goal of the season, his first at Old Trafford in months.
“We didn’t know whether Wayne would be able to play because the protective headband didn’t arrive until Friday and he had to train first,” said Moyes.
“It was a nasty cut and it’s still tender, so we had to be careful with him, but he wanted to play and once he told me he was fine I had no hesitation.
“He’s scored a terrific goal and that will do him good.
“He even won a couple of headers for us, so that’s a good sign.”
