Wayne Rooney has now contacted Jesse Lingard to sound out the free agent’s interest in a move to MLS franchise DC United over offers he has received from Everton and West Ham.
That’s according to 90min, who claim Rooney has approached a raft of potential targets to discuss moves to America. DC United have appointed the Manchester United and England icon as their new manager after Rooney resigned from the same position at Derby County.
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Rooney is keen to use his prior connections to strengthen the team he has adopted at Audi Field. The 36-year-old watched from the stands as his new side needed a 92nd-minute goal to draw 2-2 with Columbus Crew on Wednesday to stay bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Lingard made 44 appearances alongside Rooney through the striker’s spell leading the Red Devils’ frontline. He also recorded two of 32 caps for England with the Three Lions’ all-time top-scorer featuring. The pair also combined for a total of five goals with club and country.
A chance to reunite at DC United could now emerge with Lingard a free agent after leaving Manchester United. The 29-year-old left Old Trafford at the end of his contract and is now considering moves, but offers from Everton and West Ham are yet to placate his demands.
Rooney chasing Lingard to DC United against interest from Everton and West Ham
Prior reports by 90min claim Everton are interested in rivalling West Ham – and potentially now DC United – to sign Lingard. Frank Lampard considers the Manchester United product a possible successor for Richarlison, and Toffees chiefs are also in contract with his agent.
West Ham, on the other hand, are now threatening to pull the plug on their interest unless Lingard lowers his demands. The Guardian note David Moyes wants to re-sign the maestro who shone on loan in east London in 2021, but his desired salary is proving to be too high.
Newcastle similarly cooled their pursuit due to his wage expectations, The Northern Echo report. Lingard – who Rio Ferdinand thought was ‘amazing’ with West Ham – is chasing in excess of £100k-a-week on top of a substantial signing-on fee, paid as a single lump sum.
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