Rooney heading for the United States of America?

LIVERPOOL: Wayne Rooney last night appeared to be closing in on a sensational move to Major League Soccer side DC United.

The Everton star’s representative Paul Stretford has been in the US in recent weeks to discuss terms and Sportsmail understands talks have been described as positive.

It is believed a deal could be agreed that sees Rooney sign for DC United – based in Washington on America’s east coast – when the MLS transfer window opens on July 10. A contract running to the end of the 2020 MLS season has even been discussed with the Rooney camp.

The US club tried to sign him last summer when he left Manchester United but he decided to complete an emotional return to Goodison Park instead. DC United looked at bringing Robin van Persie Stateside in January and have remained in the hunt for a marquee striker with global pull.

That potential move is complicated by Rooney building a new £20 million mansion in the Cheshire countryside for his young family with wife Coleen. But Steven Gerrard overcame such hurdles when he spent 16 months at LA Galaxy and Rooney is keen to explore doing similar.

Rooney has been made aware that Everton would not stand in his way over a transfer away as manager Sam Allardyce tries to raise funds for next season. There are senior members of Everton’s hierarchy who would like Rooney to stay – including chairman Bill Kenwright, who stated as much during an address at the club season awards last week. But owner Farhad Moshiri is believed to agree with Allardyce’s assessment. – Daily Mail