Wayne Rooney: Jose Mourinho says Man Utd striker is only target
ose Mourinho says Wayne Rooney is Chelsea's only summer transfer target after Manchester United rejected their bid for the England striker.
Mourinho denied suggestions that David Luiz or Juan Mata were offered in part exchange for the 27-year-old.
And when asked if the Blues had made any other bids for players, the Portuguese said: "No - and we won't."
The news comes on the day United vice-chairman Ed Woodward returned early from the club's pre-season tour.
The club insist, however, that Woodward's return has nothing to do with the Rooney situation.
Mourinho's comments appear to have put the onus back on United, but Old Trafford officials say they will not be bullied into selling the forward.
The Chelsea boss was speaking after his team beat Singha All-Stars 1-0 on their pre-season tour of Thailand.
He said: "We want the player. Now it's up to Manchester United." Asked if it is Rooney or bust, he replied: "Yes."
Mourinho added: "I think that this situation is clear - nothing is a secret any more.
"The official bid is just about a certain amount of money and doesn't involve players. We made the bid and now we have nothing more to say."
United had earlier rejected Chelsea's offer for Rooney and insisted the striker was not for sale.
Rooney has been left angered and confused by recent messages coming out of Old Trafford, most noticeably the suggestion from new manager David Moyes that Robin van Persie is his main striker.
The Scot said last week: "Overall, my thought on Wayne is that if for any reason we had an injury to Robin van Persie we are going to need him."
Rooney has expressed his disappointment with his situation to senior figures at the club and insisted he will not accept a squad role behind the Dutchman.
United have refused to comment on the latest developments, with their players in Sydney on the second leg of their pre-season tour.
But Chelsea released a statement on Wednesday, expressing their disappointment that news of their bid had leaked out.
They also denied that any player was included in the offer, despite sources close to the talks claiming otherwise.
"Chelsea can confirm that yesterday it made a written offer to Manchester United for the transfer of Wayne Rooney," read the statement.
"Although the terms of that offer are confidential, for the avoidance of doubt and contrary to what is apparently being briefed to the press in Sydney, the proposed purchase does not include the transfer or loan of any players from Chelsea to Manchester United."
United insist they will not be bullied into selling Rooney, despite his disgruntlement, and are determined to deal with his future on their terms.
With Manchester City, who look set to signSevilla striker Alvaro Negredo this week, unwilling to follow up their historic interest, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid showing no interest and Barcelona having signed Brazil forward Neymar, Chelsea have emerged as the likeliest destination for Rooney.
Paris St-Germain have also been linked with the former Everton player, but the French champions have just signed Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani from Napoli.
In addition, Rooney is understood to be reluctant to move abroad.
He may now submit a formal transfer request to force the issue, but there is no guarantee that United will grant him a move to a Premier League rival such as Chelsea.
United are comfortable with the situation and in a stronger position than 2010, when Rooney threatened to leave only to be persuaded to stay by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
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