According to reports from The Independent, Chelsea have emerged as shock candidates to sign Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney.
The England talisman is enduring one of the worst spells of his Old Trafford career, finding just two goals in eleven Premier League appearances and seven across all competitions since the start of the season. It’s lead to a continuous debate over whether Rooney is suffering a temporary blip in form, whether Louis van Gaal’s restrictive tactics have nullified his goal threat or whether the forward has inevitably entered his decline, now aged 30.
Consequentially, the Red Devils could be on the lookout for a new front-man in the near future and judging by how van Gaal handled countryman Robin van Persie, now of Fenerbahce, during the summer transfer window, that could spell an abrupt end to the former Everton youngster’s United tenure.
Rather surprisingly, Chelsea have emerged as the bookies’ favourite to take the Three Lions skipper off United’s hands, with Sky Bet offering odds of 7/1 on a move to Stamford Bridge.
Although seemingly outlandish, there is precedent for a move to west London. Rooney was close to joining the Chelsea ranks in summer 2013 after a fall-out with the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson. Successor David Moyes, however, convinced the Premier League icon to stay put and he has since been rewarded with an improved contract and the United captaincy.