What We're Reading
Report: United, Chelsea Exploring Mata-Rooney Swap
- Goal.com, Wednesday, August 21, 2013 2:26 PM
Manchester United has reportedly reopened talks with Chelsea over the proposed sale of Wayne Rooney in a deal that could see two-time Chelsea Player of the Season Juan
Mata go the other way, if the London club agrees to the switch. The main sticking point in a potential deal lies with the clubs’ valuation of Rooney, with United holding out for $62.7
million, while Chelsea’s most recent bid for the England striker, which was quickly rejected, was closer to $47 million.
Despite United’s insistence that Rooney is not for sale,
sources tell Goal.com that the strike “is making no secret of his desire to leave.” United, meanwhile, is preparing for any eventuality, including the possibility of Rooney handing in a
transfer request.
Meanwhile, it is unclear whether Mata remains part of Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho's plans. While the Portuguese insists the Spaniard is staying at
Stamford Bridge, Mata was left on the bench for the Blues' Premier League opener against Hull City.
