The season might have ended less than a week ago – Saturday’s Champions League final is, technically, the final act – but Wayne Rooney has undoubtedly already secured the award for the most tedious transfer saga of the summer. Rooney allegedly handed in a transfer request three weeks ago as Sir Alex confirmed after his final game at Old Trafford but, yesterday, the striker – or the PR camp that has ill-advised him throughout his career – denied he wanted to leave the club.
In the story that appeared on many newspapers, Rooney claimed to be feeling forced out of the club despite never requesting a move elsewhere. Today the story has taken another turn, with the Mirror and the Guardian reporting that PSG have informed Rooney’s camp that they’re willing to offer him a staggering £15m-a-year deal – after tax.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic rumoured to be getting itchy feet after just 12 months in the French capital, PSG need another marquee signing to propel their quest for trophy and for more media attention forward.
More importantly, as far as David Moyes and Manchester United are concerned, the newly-crowned French champions are reportedly willing to pay United £40m to secure Rooney’s services. If the sum was to be confirmed, it could be a massive coup for United for it’d allow them to make a profit on a player who has spent 10 years at the club and who, over the last two seasons, has struggled to maintain the fitness level expected from a professional.
While it still seems unlikely that Rooney will sanction a move away from the North West, let alone abroad – particularly considering his wife, Coleen, gave birth to their second baby a couple of days ago – if he was to consider swapping Salford Quays for the Seine, United could do worse things that letting him go.
£40m for a player that has twice stated his desire to leave the club and who is no longer the team’s focal point could prove to be a formidable boost for David Moyes’ chances to secure a big signing this summer.
Meanwhile, and somewhat bizarrely considering the depth of choice in that department, United have been linked with Arsenal’s captain Thomas Vermaelen, who has seemingly fallen out of favour with Arsene Wenger. With Rio having just signed a new contract, Vidic fully recovered and Evans, Jones and Smalling continuing their development, United’s need for a centre-back is as remote as Rooney’s chances of getting a hero reception at Old Trafford next season.
Dan (@MUFC_dan87)
