Exit inevitable, destination far from certain

No matter what Wayne Rooney’s people say about him not asking for a transfer, no matter what Manchester United say about Rooney not being for sale (and driving down his price), his team-mates have thought that he’s been leaving since April.

At no time has their view wavered. In the last month, the same message has been coming out of the Old Trafford: he wants to go to Chelsea and they want him. United, however, are reluctant to sell to a domestic rival.

Rooney, 27, is a popular member of the United dressing-room. He’s viewed as a good lad, a joker, a top player and a good person to have around. Except he’s changed. There’s been nothing serious. After Christmas, the coaches felt he was coming to terms with not being the main man at Old Trafford after the arrival of Robin van Persie.