• Premier League

Ed Woodward returns to United amid transfer talks

ESPN staff
July 17, 2013
Wayne Rooney is unhappy at being told he will play second fiddle to Robin van Persie © PA Photos
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Manchester United executive vice chairman Ed Woodward has left the club's pre-season tour of Australia to carry out urgent transfer business.

It has been speculated that Woodward will be required to discuss the future of the reportedly unsettled Wayne Rooney, while the transfer of Cesc Fabregas may be another necessity, with United believed to have made a £24 million bid for the midfielder.

The Premier League champions are currently in Australia, having completed the Thai leg of their tour, and are preparing for the friendly against A-League All-Stars on Saturday.

News of Woodward's early departure arrived just hours after Chelsea confirmed they had made a bid for United forward Wayne Rooney, which was rejected by United.

The Blues released a statement on Wednesday to clarify the terms of their approach, after reports suggested they had offered £10 million plus Juan Mata or David Luiz.

Rooney's future has been the subject of intense speculation since former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed the club had turned down a second transfer request in three years from the striker.

New Old Trafford boss David Moyes says Rooney is not for sale, although his comments regarding whether the player is one of the first names on his team sheet have reportedly left Rooney "angry and confused".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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