Rooney will be ‘great’ MLS attraction

– Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney (left) would be a “great signing” for Major League Soccer (MLS), Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson has said, adding that the 30-yearold still has plenty to offer.

Former England midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, Italy’s Andrea Pirlo, Spain striker David Villa and Brazilian Kaka are among the big-name players who have joined the MLS in recent years.

“I would argue he (Rooney) still has some good soccer ahead of him. I think he would be a great signing for MLS – 100% MLS would be attractive for him,” Paulson told the Mirror.

“Keeping in mind that he is a very talented footballer, who has quality soccer ahead of him, you are not talking about a 34 or 35-year-old. I get excited about the impact he would have in the MLS more than a guy who is coming in later in his career.”

With big-spending Chinese clubs rivalling American sides in recruiting players, Paulson believes top players will still find the MLS more attractive.

The Chinese Super League sides have invested heavily on international players, including Brazilian forward Hulk and Ivorian striker Gervinho.

“The MLS is offering significant money. “There are some big-dollar numbers that have been put out,” said Paulson. –