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.

“Any player that wants to go to the World Cup, if they are a second choice at their club, then they’re in trouble, they’re in trouble,” Mourinho said.

“This is a crucial year for that and many national team coaches are worried because they want players to play regularly for their teams.”

Mourinho was asked to assess the merits of Chelsea in comparison with other Premier League clubs. He insisted it was not possible for him to compare, but that his thoughts were with the Blues in the intervening period between his September 2007 departure and his return last month.

“If Chelsea can become a really special club for me, it’s because Chelsea can be a special club for everybody,” Mourinho said.

“I left the club in 2007. I went to two fantastic football countries like Italy and Spain, I went to two fantastic football clubs like Inter Milan and Real Madrid and I was always wishing to be back.

“This club is so special that I’m back and I hope to stay for a long time.”

Spain playmaker Juan Mata and Brazil defender David Luiz have been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, but Mourinho is adamant they will stay. He said: “No chance. No chance.”

Neither player is on the Asia tour, after being granted a break following their Confederations Cup exertions.

Meanwhile, former Ireland and Manchester United star Denis Irwin says he is happy to be guided by David Moyes’s unequivocal statement that Rooney is going nowhere.

United are adamant they will not sell and would be willing to wind down his contract which still has two years to run if necessary.

And Irwin is happy to take Moyes at his word.

“Wayne is a fantastic player,” said the Corkman.

“He has been great in the years he has been at the club and has scored a stack of goals for us.

“David Moyes is the manager. He makes the decisions. He has said Wayne Rooney is going nowhere. That is good enough for me.”

Beyond that, the sudden departure of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward from the club’s tour of Australia on urgent transfer business has triggered fevered speculation about who it could concern.

Cesc Fabregas, Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines have all been mentioned.

Yet, as those targets have been discussed for some time now, and Woodward was due to return to the Britain on Sunday anyway, it would suggest something more significant. That would give credence to reports that a big-money move for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale is imminent, although, as yet, United have refused to discuss the matter.