Rooney rumors ramping up as agent checks out China

Speculation that Wayne Rooney will swap Manchester United for the Chinese Super League intensified on Thursday as British media reported that the player's agent, Paul Stretford, is in China to negotiate a potential deal.

Rooney has become increasingly marginalized at United, starting just three of his team's 13 matches this year, leading several Chinese clubs to believe the England international might be tempted by a big-money offer.

A BBC report on Thursday said it was not known which Chinese clubs Stretford has been speaking to.

However, on Wednesday, Tianjin Quanjian manager Fabio Cannavaro confirmed the club made an approach for United's all-time top scorer, which the Italian played down as "chit-chat".

Beijing Guo'an, Guangzhou Evergrande and Jingsu Suning have also been linked with the 31-year-old United captain.

Guo'an has attempted to lure Rooney to China before. In November, its chairman, Luo Ning, confirmed club representatives met with Stretford last summer to discuss a move.

"We indeed made an approach for Rooney at the beginning of the season but he informed us that he wants to stay with Manchester United," Luo told Beijing's Sports Night Talks. "Rooney said he'll keep playing in the Premier League as long as his health allows."

If Stretford does not finalize a move before the Chinese transfer deadline on Tuesday, it is thought a summer move could be in the offing instead.

Speaking on Tuesday, United manager Jose Mourinho said he could not guarantee Rooney, who remains a fitness concern for Sunday's League Cup final against Southampton, will be at Old Trafford beyond next week, although the Portuguese boss added he "would never push a legend of this club to another destiny".

Should he leave United, Rooney would join a growing number of high-profile players opting for the CSL.

In January, Argentine striker Carlos Tevez moved to Shanghai Shenhua where he earns a reported $766,000 weekly wage, while Shanghai SIPG bought Brazil star Oscar in a $75 million transfer.

Following those mega-money deals, China's General Administration of Sport said the governing body was considering introducing a spending cap to stop clubs "burning money".

Angus@mail.chinadailyuk.com