By DAN KARELL
It appears Chelsea FC’s reported interest in Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is real.
After learning that Man United had rejected a reported £20 million ($30.4 million) offer for Rooney, Chelsea released a statement on Wednesday, saying that they had indeed made a written transfer bid for the England international, but that it in no way involved Juan Mata or David Luiz going to Old Trafford in return.
Recent rumors have reported the Spaniard and Brazilian to be part of a player exchange deal to bring in Rooney, who is Mourinho’s top target now that he’s been unable to bring in Edinson Cavani and Robert Lewandowski.
Despite the rumors of the 27-year-old’s potential departure from Manchester, manager David Moyes has continued to deny reports of Rooney’s sale to another club.
Here are some more stories to get your Wednesday started:
PSG NEARING ROMA DEFENDER MARQUINHOS
Less than 24 hours after introducing Edinson Cavani as the latest member of Paris Saint-Germain, the French club’s front office are closing in on the next big-money signing.
AS Roma defender Marquinhos is reportedly on his way to the Parc Des Princes, with PSG potentially spending €35 million ($46 million) to bring the Brazilian to Ligue 1. The 19-year-old defender has been heavily tracked recently by Barcelona, but PSG, like with Cavani, have made a late move for Marquinhos that seems to have turned his head.
Marquinhos joined Roma last summer from Corinthians in Brazil for under €5 million, earning Roma a massive profit if the Brazilian is transferred. Reports in Italy state that Marquinhos’ agent is meeting with the Roma front office on Wednesday.
Last season at Roma, the former Brazil Under-17 star played 26 times in Serie A, starting 22 of those games.
MAN CITY AGREE FEE WITH SEVILLA OVER NEGREDO
Just when it looked like the deal was off, Manchester City are now putting the finishing touches on a new striker to replace the departed Carlos Tevez.
Spanish forward Alvaro Negredo is on his way to Manchester City after Sevilla agreed a reported €30 million ($39.4 million) transfer fee. Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido admitted the deal is set, reportedly stating that Wednesday would be Negredo’s last day at the club, and that he’s signing the “contract of his life” at the Etihad Stadium.
Negredo becomes the second Sevilla player to move to Man City this summer, following Jesus Navas’ move to England. Last season, the 27-year-old front man scored 25 goals in 26 La Liga games, still falling to a distant fourth behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Radamel Falcao. Negredo scored another six goals in the Copa Del Rey for Sevilla last season as well.
QUICK KICKS
France Under-20 left back Lucas Digne has completed a €15 million transfer to PSG after passing his physical on Wednesday. (REPORT)
Napoli are closing in on a €12 million move for Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol. (REPORT)
Inter Milan have signed Juventus and Chilean National Team midfielder Mauricio Isla for €7.5 million. (REPORT)
New Borussia Dortmund signing Henrik Mkhitaryan has suffered a partial tear in a ligament in his right ankle during a friendly match, forcing him out for four weeks. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Rooney moving to Chelsea? Do you like the Marquinhos signing for PSG? Do you see Negredo succeeding in England?
Share your thoughts below.