WAYNE TOUCHES DOWN
WAYNE ROONEY arrives in Washington last night to have talks and a medical with DC United. Engand’s record goalscorer flew to Miami and then to the capital as he considers a move to play in America.
WAYNE ROONEY arrived in Washington last night for talks with DC United and a medical. The former England captain flew in from Miami with his representatives for what will be a first proper look at the MLS outfit. Personal terms have already been agreed and Rooney is in Washington with the permission of Everton. But his settlement with the Merseyside club — he has a year to run on a £300,000-a-week contract that is paid jointly by them and Manchester United — has not yet been finalised. Ultimately the decision to let Rooney leave rests with Everton, and senior figures at the club are divided on the issue. Bill Kenwright, the club chairman, is believed to be in favour of Rooney staying but his influence at a club now owned by Farhad Moshiri is not what it was. Indeed, Rooney is aware that other members of the hierarchy see the benefit of losing the 32-year-old from their wage bill and that has been enough to persuade him to consider a move to the MLS. DC want him to commit to a £12.5million deal that runs until the end of the 2020 season. According to a report in the Washington
Post, Rooney will have a ‘physical’ before being given a tour of the city and meeting managing general partner Jason Levien and general manager Dave Kasper. There will also be a visit to United’s new stadium, Audi Field, which is nearing completion. Rooney would not be allowed to play for DC United until their transfer window opens on July 10. But DC go to LA Galaxy on July 4 so he could be in the stands for that. Meanwhile, the FA have put off plans to commemorate Rooney’s England career until after the World Cup. Rooney retired from international football last year as England’s all-time record goalscorer. FA chiefs and Rooney’s representatives have discussed a special presentation to him at Wembley, with one option the game against Nigeria on Saturday week. But it is understood the FA are now considering an England game after the World Cup to pay tribute to Rooney.