Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney, ManYoo's follically challenged talisman is it appears agitating for a move for the second time in three seasons. Bearing in mind he's playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, one has to ask why?

It's clear there have been cracks in Rooney's relationship with Ferguson in much the same way they began to appear with Beckham. Beckham's issues were centered around the 'celebrity' side to his life whereas with Rooney - despite Coleen's many attempts to crack the media - the issues appear to centre around his 'off pitch refueling' on various nights out, unsanctioned or otherwise.

It is hard in this instance to have either much sympathy or understanding for Rooney's position. Given the size of the improved contract that ManYoo gave him after his previous tantrum, it is to be expected that he has a sizeable ego. However, it is also reasonable to expect that given the inordinate sum of money that ManYoo agreed to pay him that he keep up his end of the bargain and keep himself in basic shape.

Rooney in his pomp is (should we substitute 'was'?) a phenomenal player with ability, strength, speed, vision, everything. The reality is however that the Old Trafford faithful have all too often seen a sluggish boorish version on the pitch performing far below where he can.

It is reported that Rooney feels slighted at being substituted several times this season and being left out against Real Madrid - the parallels with Beckham's final season are uncanny - but the reality is that Ferguson would have found it impossible to leave out a fit and firing Rooney.

The main difference however between Rooney's and Beckham's situation is the list of potential suitors. Even at this late stage in his career, there is a clamour for Beckham's services due to his incredibly ability to shift merchandise but also his dedicated professionalism. There is no doubt that Rooney is marketable - just ask Nike - but the latter quality appears to be lacking and at the age of 27, his playing prowess must be the main attraction.

The other issue regarding Rooney, especially in these impending times of financial fair play is that the package required to obtain his services borders on the obscene. The talk is that even if United were to offer him a new contract it would be on reduced terms, something that Rooney is unlikely to countenance.

There are only a handful of clubs that can afford Rooney. It is arbitrary at best to see where Rooney would fit in to Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Barcelona may indeed have a re-jig this Summer but he does not appear to fit the profile of the type of player they would sign although British forwards such as Gary Linker, Mark Hughes and Steve Archibald have beaten the path before him to the Nou Camp.

Domestically, only Chelsea and Manchester City would appear possible homes. Moving to City (who may have room with the likes of Dzeko and Tevez possibly on their way) would in a geographical sense offer no upheaval but it would be the mother of all defections since Luis Figo and it would take a brave man, or possibly one just detached from reality.

Chelsea would one hopes have learned the lesson of buying forwards in apparent decline (step forward Shevchenko and Torres) but one can never be sure of the logic being employed at Stamford Bridge.

The only other candidate appears to be the newest of nouveau riche in the form of PSG whos' owners crave Champions League success. There is no doubting the calibre of players in Paris but one would doubt whether Ligue Un would tickle Wayne's fancy after the melting pot of the Premiership.

Rooney's behaviour is a little strange and smacks of someone who is either receiving bad advice, has been tapped up or has wildly miscalculated his position. He has until now been a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford but should he not find a suitable club he could be left in a sticky position with the prospect of either accepting a reduced new contract and role or simply running down his existing contract to the huge further detriment of his relationship with the fans and fellow players.

Ferguson's outgoing comments have been thinly veiled barbs, aimed at weakening Rooney's bargaining position and Rooney's camp have indeed gone somewhat quiet whilst beating a discrete climbdown. It seems unlikely that Ferguson would outright lie about Rooney's transfer request. It is also clear his patience had worn out with the player.

For Davie Moyes, it is a less than ideal state of affairs as he approaches the start of his tenure. He has already had to sell Rooney once and is now faced with the prospect of it happening again. It may however be best for all concerned if Rooney was to go, the problem however is the lack of places for him to go.

Whilst not wishing to draw too many assumptions, it would seem reasonably fair to suggest that the Rooneys might not be wonderfully suited to life in 'exotic' foreign parts. Paris is just across the English Channel but it may be a million miles away as far as the Rooney household is concerned (it's in France by the way Wayne).

One would expect ManYoo to act decisively and not let the matter drag on and in many ways they are in a position of strength. Only the spectre of Rooney running down his contract being of concern.

A fit and refocused Rooney would be great for them or a huge transfer fee and wages to match off the books would allow for reinvestment in younger players again. It is very possible that Wayne Rooney has overplayed his hand - No Nonsense.