..as likelihood of Rooney moving within the domestic game is slim.
Manchester Uniteds Chief Executive Ed Woodward has departed the Australian leg of their pre-season tour to tie up the deal for Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.
His departure comes amid a growing media fire in England over Wayne Rooney's future. Chelsea have staged a media assault on United today, accusing them of dirty tricks, and United have warned them not to come back with another bid.
Now, coincidentally, it was not so long ago, that Barcelona were courting Mr. Rooney, and Gerard Pique, Neymar and Xavi were rolling out the red carpet for him telling the media that he would be a welcome addition to their footballing Pantheon of Greats.
Although the Chelsea Fire for Rooney is raging presently, one is at a loss to see how United would permit Rooney to move to their greatest rivals (now that Mourinho is back). It is almost certain not to happen. Not unless Chelsea threw in Mata, Luiz AND Hazard!
On the other hand, what are the odds on Woodward killing two birds with the one stone with this trip and organising a SWAP. Rooney for Fabregas. Simple as. End of.
Out goes an under-performing, over-paid, sulking dead-weight.
In comes a creative, string-pulling maestro with bullets in his boots.