RvN#10
Jul 13 2004, 12:12 AM
By PHIL THOMAS
WAYNE ROONEY is prepared to leave England if he can join one of football’s giant clubs.
Real Madrid’s newly re-elected president Florentino Perez said he fancied signing the Everton whizkid.
There were growing whispers that Roon, 18, might not move to Spain because of his age.
But a source within the Rooney camp insisted: “Wayne is not scared of the idea. He has said he will go wherever is best for him — and if it’s Madrid, then he’ll jump at it.”
Perez, who was returned to power at the Bernabeu on Sunday, insisted last week that contact has ALREADY been made with Rooney.
That claim was flatly denied by the ProActive group, which handles the young striker’s affairs.
Yet Perez is adamant he will sit down with new Real manager Jose Antonio Camacho to discuss a swoop for the England teenager who took Euro 2004 by storm.
Rooney would still prefer a move to Manchester United — but they have failed to make an official approach to Everton.
Chelsea have claimed they are not interested but there are suspicions they may still move in.
If neither club shows their hand, the way will be left clear for Real to follow up the interest revealed in SunSport on Saturday. A £35million bid would see Everton enter talks.
Goodison chiefs and Rooney’s advisers have held initial discussions after the Premiership club offered him a £12.5million contract last week.
And the player was high on the agenda when the club held its normal board meeting yesterday.
Rooney, who would pick up £50,000 a week from the five-year deal, is currently holidaying in Barbados.
Everton have debts approaching £40m but boss David Moyes hopes the offer will persuade Rooney to stick with the club he has supported all his life.
WAYNE ROONEY is prepared to leave England if he can join one of football’s giant clubs.
Real Madrid’s newly re-elected president Florentino Perez said he fancied signing the Everton whizkid.
There were growing whispers that Roon, 18, might not move to Spain because of his age.
But a source within the Rooney camp insisted: “Wayne is not scared of the idea. He has said he will go wherever is best for him — and if it’s Madrid, then he’ll jump at it.”
Perez, who was returned to power at the Bernabeu on Sunday, insisted last week that contact has ALREADY been made with Rooney.
That claim was flatly denied by the ProActive group, which handles the young striker’s affairs.
Yet Perez is adamant he will sit down with new Real manager Jose Antonio Camacho to discuss a swoop for the England teenager who took Euro 2004 by storm.
Rooney would still prefer a move to Manchester United — but they have failed to make an official approach to Everton.
Chelsea have claimed they are not interested but there are suspicions they may still move in.
If neither club shows their hand, the way will be left clear for Real to follow up the interest revealed in SunSport on Saturday. A £35million bid would see Everton enter talks.
Goodison chiefs and Rooney’s advisers have held initial discussions after the Premiership club offered him a £12.5million contract last week.
And the player was high on the agenda when the club held its normal board meeting yesterday.
Rooney, who would pick up £50,000 a week from the five-year deal, is currently holidaying in Barbados.
Everton have debts approaching £40m but boss David Moyes hopes the offer will persuade Rooney to stick with the club he has supported all his life.