The Hindu : Sport / Football : Rooney likely for Manchester Utd.

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Wednesday, Sep 01, 2004

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Sport - Football

Rooney likely for Manchester Utd.

MANCHESTER, AUG. 31. Manchester United announced on Tuesday it had reached ``outline agreement'' to sign Wayne Rooney from Everton.

Everton said the 18-year-old England striker, who is recovering from a broken bone in his foot, went to United's Carrington training complex after earlier tests at a Manchester hospital.

United's statement to the Stock Exchange suggested that the agreement was dependent on the player's fitness.

``Manchester United plc has reached an outline agreement with Everton FC for the transfer of the registration of Wayne Rooney, subject to his successful completion of a medical,'' the statement said.

``Details of the agreement will be announced when all terms are complete.''

United is reported to have made a bid of US$44.75 million for the talented forward.

He was one the biggest stars of Euro 2004 with four goals until he suffered his injury against host Portugal in the quarterfinal.

If Rooney completes the move, he will be competing with Dutch star Ruud van Nistelrooy, Frenchman Louis Saha and England's Alan Smith for a place on the United strike force.

Van Nistelrooy has not played so far because of a knee injury and United has made a poor start to the campaign. Alex Ferguson's team, coincidentally held 0-0 by Everton at Old Trafford on Monday, has won just five points from four games and is seven behind defending champion Arsenal and Chelsea who have each gained a maximum 12. — AP

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