Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Target Wayne Rooney Should Be Second Choice

The attention of the world’s media is still fixated on whether Wayne Rooney will end up a Chelsea player.

Rooney’s disillusionment at David Moyes’ comments last week look to increased speculation over the Englishman’s future at Old Trafford. Despite Moyes’ hands-off warning for Rooney, Jose Mourinho seems to be playing along, confirming Chelsea’s interest in signing the 27-year-old.

"We want the player. Now it's up to Manchester United,” he said last week, as BBC report.

In the wake of their arrival in Malaysia, and with all questions about Rooney banned by the club, the Stamford Bridge boss still found time to talk about the Manchester United striker’s future, as said via the Telegraph.

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I always say to my players that when they are with the national team they don't think about our club. But when they are with the club they have to forget the national team and give everything to the club.

At the same time, normally players who want to go to their national team and play for their country, normally they must be first choice players for their clubs and be playing regularly.

That's the big motivation if you are thinking about playing at the World Cup. If they want to go to the World Cup and they're second choice at their club, then they're in trouble.

I think it’s a crucial year for them. Many national team coaches are worried because they want players to play regularly for their clubs. You must play for me to play for you, you must play for you to play for me. It's a combination. They must share the situation.

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Chelsea confirmed a move for Rooney last week, with the bid standing at £20 million—and not including either Juan Manuel Mata or David Luiz.

It was first believed Chelsea were eying up a £10 million offer for Rooney, plus Mata as a makeweight for the English international.

But the most recent revelations, as reported by The Independent’s Jack De Menezes, insist Fernando Torres won’t be going anywhere this summer after intensive talk over Rooney’s possible addition.

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Torres has told friends that he and his family are settled in London, and that he will see out his contract even if he is not in favour with Jose Mourinho.

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The Spanish striker has struggled to shake off tags and perceptions about his ability, despite winning the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup at Chelsea. More so, his lack of goals has been a concern in the Premier League: 10 in 2010-11, nine in 2011-12 and eight in 2012-13.

That looks far from the desired choice for Mourinho.

One thing Torres has improved on is his general work away from the box. His nine assists last season highlight the increasing responsibility on Torres to be more involved away from the goalscoring front.

In working with Mata, Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard, Torres has adapted to working outside of the penalty area and has the qualities to do so, well.

Rooney’s pedigree, goals and assists are far greater than Torres, but as I wrote, the England man will upset the chemistry in this Chelsea side. It would have a direct impact on Mata and others and the playing style of the Blues.

It will be interesting to see whether Mourinho is really serious about signing Rooney.

Unless a top-class striker is added, in the mould of Edinson Cavani or Radamel Falcao, the Manchester United man shouldn’t be taking the focal role in this side.