Manchester United star Wayne Rooney’s agent is said to have met with Beijing Guoan before opting to turn down an offer to move to the Chinese Super League in the summer.
Beijing Guoan’s offer seemingly perked the interest of the England international with his agent, Paul Stretford, discussing the move with the club, as claimed by the Chinese outfit as reported by The Sun.
“We indeed made an approach for Rooney at the beginning of the season but he’s informed us that he wants to stay in Manchester United,” honorary chairman Luo Ning stated.
“Rooney says he’ll keep playing in the Premier League as long as his health allows. We even met with his agent.”
It’s been a tough season for Rooney thus far, as he was dropped by both Jose Mourinho and Gareth Southgate for United and England respectively last month.
However, there have been signs of recovery after he scored in the Europa League clash with Fenerbahce before impressing against Swansea City last time out.
Provided that he can maintain that type of form then perhaps there is no need for him to consider a move away from Old Trafford, but such has been the scrutiny he has been under coupled with the competition for places in the attacking third within the United squad, he’ll remain under pressure to deliver on the pitch.
A move to China has proven appealing to many stars playing their trade in Europe with the likes of Ramires and Graziano Pelle leaving the Premier League this year to join the CSL.
Whether Rooney is considering a similar path in the future remains to be seen, but evidently with so much time left in the season, his priority will be to help United achieve their objectives this season and put an inconsistent start to the campaign under Jose Mourinho behind them.