By KEVIN KOCZWARA
Wayne Rooney’s transfer saga continues, and, like Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, the England forward has been told it’s time to train away from the first team by his manager.
Manchester United manager David Moyes sent the 27-year-old to train with the Under-21s this morning, which means Rooney will certainly miss Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial game against Sevilla, reports the Daily Mail.
Rooney is being courted by Jose Mourinho and Chelsea. United has already turned down two bids for the England international. The latest was made on Sunday. Reports in England say the forward has told Moyes he wants to leave United for Chelsea.
Rooney has not been with the senior team since leaving United’s preseason tour of Asia and is currently recovering from a shoulder injury.
Here are some more stories to get you through Friday:
HULL CITY ADDING TIGERS TO NAME
Branding is important in sports and Hull City is trying to strengthen its brand by changing its identity and name to the Hull Tiger or Hull City Tigers, dropping the AFC at the end of its official name, which has been used since the club was established in 1904.
Hill Tigers Vice-chairman Ehab Allam told the Hull Daily Mail that the AFC will be on the club’s badge and shirts this season, but will be removed after the season, and the club, promoted to the English Premier League this season, will be known as the Hull City Tigers locally and Hull Tigers nationally and internationally.
“We just feel that, now being on the international stage, we need to strengthen the brand identity,” Ehab Allam told the Hull Daily Mail. “AFC is redundant, it is not used by the club, the fans never mention AFC, nor do the media.”
Ehab Allam went on to say he doesn’t like the word City because it is common and associated with other clubs across England and that he wants the Hull Tigers to be “special.”
ETIENNE CAPOUE TO JOIN SPURS
Tottenham continues to improve its midfield depth and strength with the signing of French international Etienne Capoue from Toulouse, who chose to sign with Spurs instead of Cardiff City, where he has also agreed to personal terms.
The Guardian reports that the French midfielder is set to complete a medical after Toulouse accepted an offer from Spurs.
Capoue, a defensive midfielder, will join a midfield that already boasts Sandro, Mousa Dembele, Jake Livermore, Lewis Holtby, Gylfi Sigurosson, Scott Parker, and newly signed Paulhino.
QUICK KICKS
Bolton Wanderers confirm the signing of Jay Spearing from Liverpool. Spearing was Bolton’s player of the season last year while on loan from the Reds. (REPORT)
Valencia left back Aly Cissokho wants to join Liverpool. The French defender says he’s already agreed to personal terms with the club. (REPORT)
Javier Mascherano thinking about leaving Barcelona. (REPORT)
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