Washington post Rooney offered deal to become face of DC United
MLS club set to open £300m ground in July Allardyce’s future with Everton may sway move
Major League Soccer side DC United have made Wayne Rooney the offer to become the face of the club as they move into a new £300million stadium.
It comes as Rooney, who is giving serious consideration to the chance, will seek guidance from Everton regarding his role next season before deciding his future. That should become clearer next week along with that of manager Sam Allardyce.
It is understood that DC United have been in talks with Rooney’s representative, Paul Stretford, for several weeks as they look to make a marquee signing before moving to the 20,000-capacity Audi Field stadium in July.
DC United would even like Rooney to make his debut when they kick off the first game at their new home on July 17 against Vancouver Whitecaps but the deal remains in the balance as the 32-year-old considers what to do. It is his decision, it appears.
The fact that 15 of DC United’s last 20 regular-season matches are at their new home – they have been playing away more frequently while it was being built – has been sold to Rooney as making it easier for him and his family to settle in the area. He will not face many arduous away trips.
DC United are also planning new training facilities in Virginia close to Dulles Airport, and will offer Rooney the chance to live out there. It will make it more convenient for him to fly back to England as well.
It is no secret staying with Everton is Rooney’s preferred choice, but naturally that is dependant on whether the club – or, more pertinently, the Everton manager – sees him as part of his plans. Rooney still wants to contribute as a player before pursuing his coaching ambitions.
Given the Merseyside club are yet to confirm who the manager will be at the start of next season, Rooney will be monitoring developments, as will all Evertonians. It promises to be a busy few weeks at Goodison Park following the final home game of the season away to West Ham United. Allardyce will also want clarity on his future and that will have a knock-on impact on his squad. Players will be keen to know where they stand, either if Allardyce remains or – as seems more likely – he goes with a handshake, gratitude and decent pay-off for keeping the club out of the relegation scrap.
Rooney is no different to the rest of the squad in awaiting the club’s direction, except, given his stature, he can still command lucrative offers from abroad.
The negotiations held with DC United over recent weeks could be interpreted as a contingency plan. Rooney has one year remaining on his contract and will be eager to know if Everton intend to trigger the extension of an additional season, which was written into his clause when he returned last summer.