Manchester United have rejected a second bid from Premier League rivals Chelsea for unsettled England forward Wayne Rooney, United confirmed on Monday.
Chelsea made an offer thought to be about £25 million (US$38.5 million), but it was immediately rejected.
“A bid was received yesterday and immediately rejected. Our position remains that he is not for sale,” a United spokesman said.
The second bid and United’s swift response could prompt Rooney to hand in an official transfer request.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has made the 27-year-old his top transfer target, but United have had trouble signing other players this summer and have been frustrated in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas.
United manager David Moyes has said that Rooney is not for sale. Rooney is believed to be unhappy at Moyes’ remarks that he would effectively have to be understudy to main striker Robin van Persie.
United later announced that Rooney would not travel to Sweden for yesterday’s friendly against AIK Fotboll.
The striker injured his shoulder in Saturday’s behind-closed-doors game against Real Betis Balompie, the club said.
It is the second injury to have affected Rooney in pre-season after he flew home from Thailand early last month with a hamstring problem, but Moyes insisted Rooney’s injury was not serious and the former Everton player could yet return in Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial on Friday or the Community Shield against Wigan Athletic at Wembley on Sunday.
“Wayne hurt his shoulder in a fall during a match on Saturday,” Moyes told United’s Web site.
“I’m disappointed he’s missing the game because we were keen to get him back involved and ready to play,” he added.
Meanwhile, United’s pursuit of Spain international Fabregas appears to have stalled, with Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta claiming the champions have accepted he is staying at the Camp Nou.
“I don’t know what’s happening, we just listen to the news and read everything online, and wait and see,” United defender Ferdinand said. “Any quality player that comes to Manchester United is welcomed with open arms and he is a quality player.”
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