Portland Timbers owner wants Wayne Rooney in MLS

Manchester, Aug 23: Manchester United star Wayne Rooney might join Major League Soccer after his contract with the Red Devils expires.

MLS club Portland Timbers' owner Merritt Paulson has recently claimed that they are aiming to bring Rooney to MLS and are ready to spend heavily for the English forward.

On bringing Rooney to USA, Paulson said: "I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead of him. I think he would be a great signing for MLS - 100 per cent MSL would be attractive for him.

"Keeping in mind that is a very talented footballer, who has quality soccer ahead of him, you are not talking about a 34 or 35 year old.

"I get excited about the impact he would have in the MLS more than a guy who is coming in later in his career.

"The MLS is offering significant money. There were conversations with some guys who are as big a name as Rooney recently.

"Orlando City had some high profile discussions with some players - guys in his age range. There are some big-dollar numbers that have been put out.

"China is a factor, but also players need to determine where they want to play and what is going to be best for their legacy and lifestyle - where they want to live.

"I think America compares really favourably - I wouldn't want to play soccer in Beijing right now. I am not saying that because I don't like China but the air quality issue is something they have to deal with in a sport which requires fitness.

"Players need to make their own choices but I think about other leagues being competitors for talent more than I do the Chinese league, where certainly there is a lot of money being splashed around."

Wayne Rooney's form is a big concern for the Manchester United think tank at the moment as the captain is not living up to the desired expectations.

The English player had scored a goal in the opening match of the Premier League against AFC Bournemouth but other than that his contribution to the team is negligible.

With stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba in the United squad, Rooney's bad form might slowly force, Jose Mourinho to axe him from the team.

Rooney's contract keeps the player at Old Trafford till the summer 2019. After that he might follow the footsteps of David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard and move to USA.

OneIndia News