Soccer

Manchester United open contract discussions with Wayne Rooney

Arrival of Juan Mata may help keep England striker at Old Trafford

Manchester United manager David Moyes shares a laugh with Wayne Rooney at the club’s Carrington training complex in Manchester. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters
Manchester United manager David Moyes shares a laugh with Wayne Rooney at the club’s Carrington training complex in Manchester. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters
Sat Jan 25 2014 - 13:52

Manchester United have begun negotiations over a new contract for striker Wayne Rooney.

The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his current deal, but moves have been made by the club to look at extending that with an improved offer.

Rooney's agent Paul Stretford was pictured attending the club's Carrington training ground this week.

The England international is reportedly still a target for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, whose decision to allow midfielder Juan Mata to move to Old Trafford may actually improve the Red Devils' chances of securing Rooney on a longer-term contract.

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Prior to Rooney signing his previous deal, the player expressed his unhappiness with the direction the club appeared to be taking and the lack of top-class talent they were recruiting.

Mata arrived at Carrington on Saturday to undergo his medical ahead of the completion of his club-record €46 million move from Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international is expected to train with his new team-mates on Sunday, with United set to conclude the deal on Monday when the paperwork can be submitted to the Premier League.