Manchester City favourites to sign Wayne Rooney
A glance at the markets for Wayne Rooney’s next club suggests there are only four clubs in with a realistic chance of signing the star striker: Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
While just months ago, it would have seemed unconceivable that City would ever land their hands on the England international, United’s big-spending rivals are the firm favourites to prise the unsettled Rooney away from Old Trafford.
But nothing has been signed yet, and the other clubs in contention for his signature are also braced to launch multi-million pound bids.
Who, though, are the frontrunners to sign the England international?
Manchester City
The City of Manchester Stadium increasingly appears the most likely destination for the Manchester United star. With an unlimited supply of cash, City have the financial clout to offer both club and player whatever it takes to bring Rooney to Eastlands. With Mario Balotelli, Emmanuel Adebayor and former United teammate Carlos Tévez, already at the club, competition for places upfront is fierce. However, when a player of Rooney’s calibre becomes available, Man City certainly won’t want to miss out – particularly when it involves getting one over their neighbours. Rooney has stated his desire to win trophies, and it’s inevitable the club will soon bring an end to their 34-year hunt for silverware – quite probably with the Croxteth-born striker’s help.
Likelihood rating: 9/10
Barcelona
The prospect of Wayne Rooney lining up in a front three alongside David Villa and Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp is a frightening one for the rest of Spain’s Primera Liga to contemplate. Among the most prestigious clubs in European football, Barcelona is a destination any high-profile player would relish playing their football. Barça head coach, Pep Guardiola, has previously expressed his admiration of Rooney’s qualities, and would surely be keen to bring the 24-year-old to Spain if finances dictated he could. And this could prove the biggest stumbling block, as the Catalan giants have already used their transfer budget on Villa. Doubts also persist over whether Rooney would settle outside of England, making this potential deal seem increasingly unlikely.
Likelihood rating: 3/10
Real Madrid
With Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate and David Beckham all arriving at the Bernabeu over the past decade, Real Madrid have been more inclined to dip into the English market than their great rivals, Barcelona. The Real hierarchy will know how financially lucrative a player like Rooney could prove to the commercial side of dealings, while José Mourinho would certainly not turn his nose up at the chance of signing the most talented player England has produced in years. Earlier this week, the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach claimed he believes Rooney will stay at Old Trafford, but with the funds at his disposal, it’s quite possible that Mourinho will launch a bid. The chance to link up with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo will also be a tempting one for the striker, but again, is he really suited to life in a foreign country?
Likelihood rating: 6/10
Chelsea
Before Manchester City, Chelsea were the Premier League’s biggest spenders. The west Londoners have taken a backseat in the transfer market lately, which is no surprise given their sensational championship-winning campaign last season. However, manager Carlo Ancelotti will be acutely aware that his key forwards aren’t getting any younger. Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are both the wrong side of thirty, and the Italian boss will be keen to bring in a young striker before too long. There’s little doubt that Rooney would fit the bill. However, the fact remains that billionaire owner Roman Abramovic has only spent £30million on one player once since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2003, and the Russian has certainly tightened the purse strings in recent years. If Rooney wants to get away from the north-west of England, but remain in the Premier League, Chelsea will be his next destination. Don’t count on it, though.
Likelihood rating: 4/10
Everton
Despite being an Everton fan, there’s a reason why Rooney endures terrible abuse every time he comes within a mile of Goodison Park. The acrimonious manner in which he left the Toffees for Old Trafford back in 2004 still hasn't been forgiven by the Everton faithful. After this week’s stunning developments, anything might seem possible, but this certainly is not.
Likelihood rating: 0/10
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