Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Wayne Rooney Inching Toward Blues

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is reportedly set to submit a written transfer request as soon as Friday, according to Neil Ashton and Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail.

Per the Daily Mail report, Rooney will play in Tuesday's friendly against Swedish club AIK before making his decision.

Sir Alex Ferguson may have handed off the managing duties to David Moyes at United, but his presence still remains as a director at the club. Given the fact that his relationship with Rooney has appeared to deteriorate after leaving the 27-year-old off the pitch for some critical matches last season, it's safe to assume that Rooney is still uncomfortable with his role at Old Trafford.

All Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has done this summer is praise Rooney. Chelsea reportedly just had a second bid of approximately £25 million for Rooney turned down by United, but the Blues will continue their pursuit of the striker, according to Steve Brenner and Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph.

Mourinho acknowledged it was "Rooney or bust" this summer, according to the Press Association (via The Guardian). He appears prepared to give Rooney plenty of playing time if the star decides to join the Blues. 

Rooney notched 12 goals and 10 assists in 27 matches (22 starts) for United in the Premier League last season. He posted one goal and three assists in six matches in the Champions League but was left out of the critical clash against Real Madrid in the last-16 leg of the prestigious tournament. That appeared to be the moment Rooney became frustrated with the club.

It's not a certainty that Rooney will join Chelsea this summer, as he may gauge the crowd's reaction at Old Trafford on Tuesday against AIK. However, when you look at what has transpired so far since late last season, it does appear Rooney would be more comfortable playing for Mourinho instead of under the harsh glare of Ferguson up in the box seats. 

Chelsea placed third in the EPL last season without the help of Rooney. Landing the star could catapult the Blues into title contention. It's understandable why United wouldn't want to sell Rooney under these circumstances, but the club may not have a choice if Rooney hands in a written transfer request.

The Wayne Rooney Saga continues to evolve.