Chelsea are looking to test Manchester United’s resolve over star striker Wayne Rooney by lodging a third bid for the England international, before the transfer window closes on 2nd September.
The Blues have already seen two bids rejected for Rooney while United have made it absolutely clear that the striker would not be sold at any price. Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea boss understands that he might end up with another unsuccessful attempt, but says “nobody forbids you to try.”
Rooney is thought to be unsettled at the Old Trafford club after his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson worsened at the end of last season. His situation hasn’t improved a little bit; rather feelings are exacerbated after new manager David Moyes’ comments that Rooney will be used mainly as second fiddle to Dutchman Robin van Persie, leaving the maverick star angry and confused.
The 27-year-old came on as sub in the opening match against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium, and provided a delightful assist for Danny Welbeck’s goal, after which Moyes praised his performance, saying the striker was “incredibly committed” to his job.
Mourinho has expressed his satisfaction with his squad that has three main strikers – Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Romelu Lukaku – but the Portuguese feels the need to add a marquee name to that list.
Mourinho said as quoted in The Guardian:
“You try, because nobody forbids you to try. When you think that you’d like to have one player and the market is open and the official bids are not forbidden, official bids are always accepted in an ethical way.
“The player’s owners they can do exactly what we did in relation to David Luiz and Barcelona.”
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto’o, who played under him at Inter Milan. The Cameroon international could serve as a potential back-up if the Rooney-bid fails.
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