Rooney offered ‘biggest deal ever’

WAYNE ROONEY has been offered the richest deal in Everton’s history to remain at Goodison Park, the club has confirmed.

A lucrative new five-year contract, in a bid to ward off potential suitors, is on the table for the 18-year-old England striker.

Rooney's stock is on the rise after Euro 2004 in Portugal, where he scored four goals in his first major tournament.

Everton are anxious to retain his services, especially after such a poor season last time around.

Rooney still has two years left on his current deal, which was signed in January 2003.

However, chief executive Trevor Birch is keen to re-negotiate and the players' agent Paul Stretford has been informed.

Birch told the club website, www.evertonfc.com: "We believe this is the right offer for Wayne one that fully reflects his growing stature within football.

"The five-year deal which has been offered is the biggest ever made in the club's history.

"Hopefully it will not only satisfy Wayne's demands but also serve to underscore the club's ambition."

Rooney is currently recovering from a broken bone in his right foot sustained during the quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Birch believes the Liverpool lad, who has come through the ranks, would be best to remain close to his roots.

He said: "Wayne is a great talent and there can be no doubt he has benefited from spending all his formative years at a club which has a proven track record in helping young players realise their potential.

"Everyone at Everton is anxious that Wayne remains at Goodison Park and continues his footballing education under the stewardship of manager David Moyes and his coaching staff.

"While we understand that a player of such ability will inevitably be coveted by others, we honestly believe that Wayne's interests, at this stage in his career, would be best served by committing his future to the club he plays for and had always supported."

Birch said: "We have therefore, in the offer of a new contract, made every conceivable effort to ensure Wayne Rooney remains a key figure at Everton for the foreseeable future."

Chelsea and Manchester United were both thought to have been interested in Rooney but have responded with negative signals.

Real Madrid, however, are still believed to be keen to sign on him.

United chief executive David Gill said at the weekend they did not have the funds to make a bid.

And Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho this week claimed he was not ready to bid for the England forward.

Meanwhile Manchester United have moved for a more low-profile teenager with the capture of promising 16-year-old Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi from Serie A side Parma.

Rossi, who was born in the United States, has already been capped by his country at under-19 level and is regarded as one of the most promising young players in Europe.

United have been able to take advantage of the fact that Rossi had not signed a professional contract with Parma and will therefore only have to pay minimal compensation.

Although it is envisaged Rossi will further his United education in the club's academy structure during the forthcoming campaign, his arrival is another attempt to safeguard the club's future by manager Alex Ferguson.

The Red Devils boss launched his teenage offensive by snaring midfielder Lee Martin from Wimbledon last year and only last week signed Barcelona's Gerard Pique, amid some frustration from the Catalans.

The most famous teenage arrival of all though was Cristiano Ronaldo 12 months ago.

Ronaldo shone during his first season with the Red Devils, capping it with a goal in the FA Cup final win over Millwall.

The Portuguese youngster also gave some outstanding displays at Euro 2004 but failed to add a Euro 2004 winners' medal to his collection and ended last Sunday's final in tears as Portugal were beaten by Greece.