United captain Rooney ‘struggling to find new club’

Wayne Rooney is facing the prospect of sitting on the Manchester United bench next season, with no suitable offers for the captain to leave Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old has a year remaining on his contract with the option for an extra year, but having dropped out of Jose Mourinho’s first XI and the England squad, Rooney was open to the prospect of ending his 13-year stay at United to play regular football.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman expressed an interest in bringing Rooney back to Goodison Park, while there were reported to be numerous interested parties in the Chinese Super League willing to make the forward a generous offer.

But, according to various reports, Rooney has yet to receive an offer he would consider.

Koeman has failed to follow up his initial interest, while the enquiries from China have dried up following the government’s new 100 per cent tax on foreign signings, forcing the CSL to focus more on developing more homegrown talent.

Rooney’s huge salary, said to be close to £300,000 a week, is deterring many would-be suitors, while United are unwilling to subsidise his wages should he move on.

In addition, according to The Mirror, United also expect to receive a fee for their captain while he remains under contract.

Rooney is reported to have started pre-season training early as he seeks to rediscover some form. The England captain still hopes to be included in the squad for next summer’s World Cup, but he is aware he needs to be playing regularly before Gareth Southgate considers him again for selection.