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Several different outlets are reporting some new news about Wayne Rooney tonight, and The Telegraph are claiming that the Blues have gone back with a second bid which was rejected. According to the report:
Chelsea on Sunday night had a second bid for Wayne Rooney rejected by Manchester United. The fee, believed to be in the region of £25 million, was instantly dismissed by United manager David Moyes, who has continually stressed the England forward will stay with the Premier League champions.
They don't stop with a rejected bid though, going on to claim the following:
Telegraph Sport understands the situation is set to come to a head this week with Rooney, who is angry at United’s stance, ready to hand in a transfer request and force a move away from Old Trafford. The striker is expected to be named in the United squad to face AIK in Stockholm on Tuesday night with Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial against Seville next up on Friday.
The "Telegraph Sport understands" is not particularly trust-inspiring, but pretty much every paper in England is running with the same "understanding" today. That's usually a good sign that the player's agent is leaking things for their own gain, although what Rooney's end goal is would be very much up for debate.
One the one hand, Rooney could be looking for an extension. Leaking his "unhappiness" with the situation would certainly be one way to pressure the club to act, and it worked well enough for him the last time he tried it.
On the other hand, there is the chance that Rooney actually wants to move. Hinting that he's looking at the door the night before his preseason debut (and days before a game at home) would be an excellent way to ensure a hostile reception, and that could possibly sway the club to soften their stance.
Regardless of by whom and why this information was leaked, I wouldn't expect this saga to end anytime in the near future. Whether or not United actually want to keep Rooney, they most certainly won't want to sell him to one of their biggest domestic rivals. I'd have to assume this one happens at the very end of the window if it happens at all, and there will be far too many trees harmed in the process. Think of the trees people, and stick to reading online!
