Rooney and Owen 'best of pals'

Wayne Rooney’s representatives have dismissed talk of a rift between the striker and England team-mate Michael Owen over gambling debts, insisting the pair remain “best of pals”.

Amid reports the Manchester United star has amassed a £700,000 (€1m) debt, there have been suggestions Rooney is furious with Owen for letting him get sucked so heavily into the betting scene.

But a spokesmen for Rooney, and his management company Proactive Sports Management, has flatly denied the claims.

“Any suggestions of a rift or a dispute between Wayne and Michael are completely without foundation as far as Wayne is concerned,” he said.

“Wayne and Michael remain the best of pals.”