Everton reject renewed bids for Rooney

EVERTON yesterday turned down Manchester United’s bid for Wayne Rooney and also rejected a new offer from Newcastle for the England striker.

The Goodison Park club spurned Newcastle’s initial offer of £20m earlier this week, which is believed to have been matched by United.

However, the Magpies are thought to have increased their offer to £23.5m yesterday - and have been rejected once more.

Everton’s head of public relations Ian Ross said: “Newcastle United have submitted an increased offer for Wayne Rooney - one which has been turned down. The bid submitted by Manchester United has also been rejected.”

The 18-year-old has two years left on the contract he signed in 2003 but Everton remain hopeful he will still sign the new deal they have offered him.

Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson moved into the race to sign Rooney when United faxed their bid to Everton - who are thought to value the player at around the £30m mark.

Ferguson said: “We have made our intentions clear that we would like the boy. This is the first time we have actually said that. Don’t forget Everton have not said he is for sale.”

But, with the transfer deadline next Tuesday, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has done nothing to quell speculation over Rooney’s future by saying he could not guarantee the Euro 2004 star would be an Everton player next week.

Kenwright knows manager David Moyes may be tempted to let Rooney go if a satisfactory bid is made.

“Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the manager,” said Kenwright.

“It’s the manager’s final decision,” he said.

“There seems to be an inevitability about the fact that Wayne Rooney will be playing somewhere else.”

Kenwright is desperate to keep Rooney at Everton but remains realistic the player could be moving on.

He said: “I would love him to be at Everton when he’s a granddad. I can’t tell you if he will be at Everton next week.”

Kenwright, who has been trying to bring new investment into Goodison Park, stressed the club did not need to sell Rooney.

“We don’t need to sell Wayne Rooney, we do not need to sell him,” added Kenwright.

“I sincerely hope he has not played his last game for Everton. There is no greater feeling in the world than when Wayne Rooney smashes the ball into the net.

“If I’ve seen that for the last time in an Everton shirt that will be a heartbreaking moment for me, as for many other Everton fans.”