• Ligue 1 news

Paris Saint-Germain not in for Rooney

ESPN staff
July 25, 2013
Wayne Rooney has been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain © PA Photos
Enlarge

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has dismissed the idea of signing Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney because he would prefer to strengthen his midfield.

Although David Moyes has repeatedly stressed that Rooney is not for sale, doubts over the England international's future remain, with the 27-year-old said to have been left "angry and confused" by suggestions he is not a key part of the new manager's plans.

Chelsea have seen an offer rejected while Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal would be capable of paying the player's wages, and PSG were also thought to hold an interest.

However, with the signing of Marquinhos on Friday, PSG have taken their spending past the £100 million mark this summer and, having brought in Edinson Cavani from Napoli, Blanc does not believe he needs any more forwards.

"He is an amazing player. His qualities are well known by everyone, but in attack we are well supplied," Blanc said. "We will rather look for players in midfield. If there should be another reinforcement, it should be in that position. Rooney could play anywhere, but his best position is in the heart of attack."

Where next for Wayne?

  • For all of the ongoing debate and indecision, the current Wayne Rooney situation effectively started with a moment of searing clarity.
  • It was early spring, shortly before that fateful Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, when Alex Ferguson reportedly came to a conclusion.
  • It wasn't about his future, but rather that of the player once considered the future of Manchester United.
  • Click here to read more

Reports in France suggest Blanc will use any money left in the PSG transfer kitty to sign Newcastle United midfielder Yohan Cabaye.

Meanwhile, Blanc has rubbished reports that the likes of Mamadou Sakho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco Verratti could be sold.

Sakho was linked with a move to Liverpool but after talks with Blanc is now happy to stay at the club.

"I had a talk with Mamadou, which he asked for," said Blanc. "Everything is very clear. If PSG are to become a great club, players have to understand that there will be great players in every position. It is then a competition to become a first team member. I believe Mamadou is receptive to that.

"Rumours about Ibrahimovic going will go on until the end of the summer window, just like they will for Thiago Silva. I am sure he will stay. That is what he has told me. He can complement Edinson Cavani well. Then it will be about managing egos."

On Verratti, Blanc said: "I have no doubt he will stay. I have spoken with him and I consider him to be part of PSG this season. There are many rumours but he has a contract and I don't think he will leave Paris. I like him a lot as a player and I don't think he would want to leave."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices