Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Setting Wayne Rooney Deadline Is Smart Move by Blues

While Wayne Rooney would provide an immediate boost to the Chelsea attack, the ongoing saga isn't a positive for any of the parties involved. That's why setting a resolution deadline before the window officially closes is the best course of action.

Tony Banks and Paul Joyce of the Daily Express report the Blues want a final decision from Manchester United before the clubs face off on Aug. 26. They are preparing to submit a third offer and will then await the conclusion made by the defending champions.

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Blues boss Jose Mourinho wants Rooney at Chelsea by the time they go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the big early showdown.

Chelsea have had two bids turned down but are readying another offer of around £28million plus add-ons to submit this week.

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The report also states if United ultimately decide to hold firm after stating throughout the process Rooney wasn't for sale, Chelsea would start to explore other attacking options. Samuel Eto'o of Anzhi Makhachkala is mentioned as a possibility.

Jose Mourinho has been through enough transfer drama during his managerial career to understand how to play the game. Even though Rooney has been the club's top target, they don't want to wait all the way until deadline day and walk away empty-handed.

Although Eto'o is a marginal option at best, and Chelsea should explore other options before committing the the veteran, it at least shows the Blues have a plan. The reported deadline date on Rooney is one week before the window closes, giving the Blues plenty of time to finalize another deal.

Too often, clubs become so set on acquiring a certain player they back themselves into a corner. As the end of the window approaches, they either land their top target or nobody, which is a risky way to operate, especially for top clubs.

Chelsea seemingly aren't going to let that happen. If United are truly determined to keep Rooney no matter what offer comes their way, it will be a disappointment for the Blues. But it doesn't mean they will get shut out altogether in their search for one more attacking option, which is the positive side.

The other good news for Mourinho and Co. is that the attack has already taken a couple steps forward from last season. Romelu Lukaku and Andre Schurrle will go a long way in providing depth up front that the Blues sorely lacked last season.

So Chelsea doesn't necessarily need a player of Rooney's caliber to complete the attack. It would be a nice addition while also taking a potentially key asset away from Manchester United, but they could settle for a second-tier option and still have plenty of firepower moving forward.

Ultimately, it all comes down to giving Mourinho as many options as possible while he remolds the club as he attempts to get it back in championship contention. Whether that means Rooney or another player, one final upgrade is all that's left.

By setting a deadline on Rooney, Chelsea are in good shape to finish the transfer window on a high note.