Manchester United stalwart Wayne Rooney was reportedly offered to Napoli this past summer, with doubts cast over the captain’s relationship with Jose Mourinho.
The 31-year-old has had a tough season thus far for the most part, as he has found himself in and out of the team under his latest manager.
Nevertheless, he has still managed to contribute three goals and eight assists in 21 appearances in all competitions, and continues to fight with tough competition for a place in the starting line-up at United.
However, Italian agent Vincenzo Morabito has claimed that the England captain was offered to Napoli this past summer with Mourinho seemingly happy to let him go.
“I know for a fact that he was offered to Napoli as he can’t go to other English clubs, which could lead him to Spain and Italy,” Morabito told Radio CRC, as reported by Goal.
“He was, I repeat, offered to Napoli. While the idea is beautiful, when you look at his €10 million-a year salary, it isn’t realistic.
“He certainly doesn’t have a good relationship with Mourinho, and therefore his future is far from United, even on loan, to give them more room.”
Many will dismiss Morabito’s comments, but ultimately between now and the end of the season, it could become clearer as to what Rooney’s long-term plans are as he remains just one goal behind Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time scoring record for the club.
With stiff competition from the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard along with Zlatan Ibrahimovic up top, it’s unclear as to how long Rooney can continue to force his way into the side.
Having started against Crystal Palace in midweek, he’ll hope to keep his place against West Bromwich Albion this weekend and continue to prove his worth to the club.
However, if the above quotes are to be believed, Mourinho may well be shopping him around already with a view of getting the best possible deal for all concerned.