Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Report of Newcastle Rooney Bid Retracted

SportsDirect News have retracted their previous article's claims regarding Newcastle United's bid to buy Wayne Rooney in a statement posted on their website. 

Per that statement:

"

SportsDirect News wishes to express its sincere apologies to Wayne Rooney and Triple Sports and Entertainment Group for publishing the article "Newcastle in shock Rooney bid", which was formulated and published without authority, merit and is untrue.

"

According to the now retracted report from SportsDirect News, Newcastle United prepared a "shock bid" for the 27-year-old to leave Old Trafford and make his new home at St. James' Park—where he would be "hero-worshipped" by the Newcastle faithful. 

Here's an excerpt from the original piece:

"

The Magpies have already sounded out Rooney’s agent over a potential move, with United keen to offload the 27-year-old. A source close to the negotiations told us: “Newcastle see Wayne as their ideal player.

[Source] "He’s a strong centre-forward, would relate to the fans and would be a massive boost to the club’s brand name. Low-level conversations have already been held between Newcastle and Rooney’s agent, though the two clubs haven’t spoken directly yet."

"

Rooney, who has 12 goals and 10 assists in 27 EPL games this season, has been the subject of transfer rumours throughout the 2012-13 season, even though his current contract runs through the end of 2015. 

While Bayern Munich has denied all interest in an "aging" Rooney (h/t The Independent), there are others who have been linked to his services. 

Among those clubs include La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid, who are said to be in secret talks with United about a Rooney-Cristiano Ronaldo reunion (h/t Express News), and fellow EPL squad Arsenal, after manager Arsene Wegner did not rule out his club making a bid for the disgruntled United star (via Express News). 

Premier League rival Chelsea is reported to also have interest in finding a way to bring the star striker to Stamford Bridge after the completion of the season, maybe in tandem with Jose Mourinho, should that deal go down, too (via the Daily Mail). 

Rooney seemed to lose favor with Ferguson this season, highlighted by his absence from United's starting lineup in the home loss to Madrid in Champions League play. Rooney has scored 22 goals in all competition (37 matches) this season. 

According to a report from The Guardian, new manager and former Everton front man David Moyes will meet with Rooney at the completion of the season to talk about his future with United.