Manchester United are continuing discussions with Wayne Rooney over a new contract, with the club and striker confident an agreement will be reached that would make him the Premier League’s highest earner.

Despite newspaper reports yesterday that Rooney has signed fresh terms, the striker has not yet done so. It would, though, be a major surprise if he was to fail to commit his long-term future to the club in a deal that could be worth at least €366,000-a-week.

Manchester United's manager, David Moyes, has made tying Rooney to a new deal a priority, and Chelsea remain an admirer of the 28-year-old, who came close to moving to the west London club last summer.

Pivotal player
Rooney appeared to be leaving United after his stock fell last season under Alex Ferguson. Yet since Moyes took over he has again made Rooney the side's pivotal player and has kept him informed of the club's general transfer policy in recognition of his restored status.

With Nemanja Vidic, the captain, leaving United in the summer alongside the potential exit of Rio Ferdinand, Rooney’s commitment to the club would give Moyes a major boost as he seeks to rebuild the squad in the close season.

Juan Mata's arrival in the January transfer window for a club record €40 million was the first step in this. And despite United currently standing in seventh position, with Champions League qualification in the balance, Rooney is enthused about how the Spaniard can help transform the club's fortunes. It's exciting. Juan has come in and it's another world-class player to have in the squad. It'll take time – it can always take a little bit of time for every player to gel and to bond but we really hope we can all start scoring goals and help the team be successful," Rooney said, before insisting that United can still have a successful season. "We've got a lot of massive games in the Champions League and the league," he said.

Warm-weather break
United are currently in Dubai on a break. When they return they visit Crystal Palace on Saturday, before travelling to Olympiakos for the Champions League last-16 opening leg. Rooney added: "We have a bit of a break before our next game now and hopefully we can prepare well and kick on for the big matches coming up.
Guardian Service