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Rooney urged to stay at Utd by old team-mate Neville

Wayne Rooney's future is top of David Moyes' agenda © Getty Images

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Gary Neville has urged Wayne Rooney to stay with Manchester United, telling him it is still the best stage for his talents.

The England international, 27, reportedly held talks with new United boss David Moyes in an attempt to clarify his position at the club following months of speculation about his future.

After the final game of last season Sir Alex Ferguson said Rooney handed in a transfer request, something which the striker reportedly denies.

In an interview with radio station TalkSport, his former United team-mate insisted that Rooney can still fulfil his ambitions at Old Trafford.

"I played with Wayne for many years," Neville said. "He's a fantastic footballer.

"Personally, with my allegiances, I'd never recommend anyone leave United because I believe it is a great stage to play football and you can achieve what you want there.

"I've seen David Beckham and other big players leave United and it really is something that comes down to the individual and the club.

"I've seen Ryan Giggs, when he was 27, linked to Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan and stay."

Neville added that he wasn't surprised to see Everton defender Leighton Baines linked to a move to Old Trafford.

The left-back has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League and Neville believes that links to the top sides will become inevitable for a player of his standard.

"I've seen a lot of the speculation over the last few days about Leighton," he said. "He had a fantastic season last year and was brilliant for Everton.

"He's been a great performer for the last few years and it's inevitable that he will be linked with the top clubs in the Premier League."

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror claim that United are close to completing a deal to sign Benfica defender Ezeguiel Garay - a player they have tracked since February.

The £17 million-rated 26-year-old moved to Portugal from Real Madrid in 2011 and was part of the Benfica side which lost to Chelsea in the 2013 Europa League final.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.