Jose covertly continues courtship of Rooney

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes it is imperative for aspiring World Cup players to be first choice for their clubs, as the courtship of Wayne Rooney continued in Kuala Lumpur.

Questions on the future of Manchester United striker Rooney, who was this week the subject of a bid from Chelsea, were not permitted as Mourinho spoke on the Blues’ arrival in Malaysia. Rooney was reported to be “angry and confused” after United boss David Moyes suggested he was second choice behind Robin van Persie, whether intentionally or not.

When asked about Brazil 2014, Mourinho did not refer to Rooney — his sole transfer target — but his message was clear.