Manchester United ‘ready new Wayne Rooney contract to deter Chelsea’

Manchester United are preparing to offer Wayne Rooney a new contract to fend off interest from Chelsea.

Take it as red: United are hopeful of tying Rooney to a new contract 

 Rooney was the subject of two failed bids from the Blues during the summer transfer window amid persistent rumours that he was unhappy at Old Trafford.

However, having retained the England international and with a fresh Chelsea move anticipated in January, United are reportedly considering presenting Rooney, whose current deal expires in June 2015, with new terms.

The Telegraph quotes a United source as saying: ‘There is no rush to talk about a new contract but let’s say if, in January, there is a conversation and we could lock him [Rooney] in well into his thirties then we would do that.’

Frosty relations: Rooney and Moyes 

The 27-year-old became frustrated at playing second fiddle to Robin van Persie in crucial games under manager Sir Alex Ferguson last season.

His relationship with his employers was not helped in the summer when Ferguson’s successor, David Moyes, admitted he viewed Rooney merely as cover for Van Persie.

However, after starting the season in good form for United and receiving a warm welcome back on the Old Trafford turf from United fans, Rooney’s attitude has thawed.

Rooney is currently recovering from a nasty head injury which ruled him out of England’s World Cup qualifying win over Moldova and which will also see him miss Tuesday’s match against Ukraine in Kiev.

Metro