Has Manchester United Star Wayne Rooney Put Chelsea on Alert?

After constantly playing second fiddle to Robin van Persie this season, it was only a matter of time before Wayne Rooney started expressing his displeasure.

This displeasure has been expressed by the striker in the form of a desire to leave Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail. Of course, it is not the first time Rooney has wanted to leave the club. Chelsea have held a long-term interest in the player, which came to the fore three years ago when Rooney handed an official transfer request to United.

He made an amazing u-turn after just 48 hours to sign a new five-year contract and the move never materialised. Chelsea are once again thought to be in for the player, who has only two years left on his contract.

Rooney has grown increasingly frustrated about being regularly dropped from the first team in favour of Van Persie. Ferguson can point numerous reasons for dropping Rooney, including his weight issued. He has been looking disinterested with football this season as any Manchester United fan would know.

Yet, Chelsea will have their reasons to sign him. Frank Lampard is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, which would mean the loss of yet another English player in the squad. Rooney would be an ideal addition especially given that Chelsea have very few players who can meet the homegrown players quota.

Even though Rooney is going to be 28 years old in October, he could cost only in the region of around £25 million, since he has only two years left on his current deal. This may be seen as a bargain signing for Chelsea, who would want to present their new manager – most probably José Mourinho – with a marquee signing once he arrives in the summer.

Chelsea have the small task of convincing Rooney to come to Stamford Bridge rather than moving to mega-rich PSG.