America’s next idol?
WAYNE ROONEY will be in Washington today for talks with DC United and a medical. The former England captain flew to the US with his representatives yesterday for what will be a first proper look at the MLS outfit. Personal terms have already been agreed and Rooney heads to Washington with the permission of Everton. But his
settlement with the Merseyside club — he has a year to run on a £300,000-aweek contract that is paid jointly by them and Manchester United — has not yet been finalised. Ultimately the decision to let Rooney leave is Everton’s 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.