Man U to sell 'unsettled' Rooney only if gets replacement

Manchester United is reportedly ready to sell unsettled striker Wayne Rooney, only if they can find a replacement for him, which has offered a glimmer of hope for Chelsea, which is chasing the striker desperately.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made it clear that he intends to make a third bid for Rooney before the transfer window closes, with sources close to the club suggesting it would be at a ceiling of around 30 million pounds.

The report further said that United boss David Moyes, who is becoming increasingly irritated with the constant talk linking Rooney with the Stamford Bridge club, wants an attacking midfielder who can play in the role he planned for Rooney, behind Robin van Persie, and thus have made their new position clear to Chelsea.

According to the report, Moyes is aware that he cannot allow one of his biggest stars to leave before he has a big signing lined up to appease the fans and prove himself as a match-winning boss like former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the report said that the situation is complicated because Rooney wants a new contract if he stays, and United is determined to wait to see if he deserves a new deal - and a pay-rise on his whopping 250,000 pounds-a-week salary.