Manchester United Transfer News: Wayne Rooney Shanghai Move Denied, Top Rumours

Shanghai SIPG boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted there is “absolutely nothing” in stories linking the club with a possible move for Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney. 

The striker has dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season after a poor run of form, inevitably triggering talk of a possible transfer. The Chinese Super League side are one club that have been linked to Rooney recently, although Eriksson has denied there’s anything tangible underpinning the speculation.

“Everyone knows how much I admire Rooney,” the Swede said, per Simon Austin of the Sun. “That’s one thing. To make out we are going to sign him is something else. There is absolutely nothing in it. Zero. It is not something we have ever even spoken about at the club—and we have been discussing our options for next season a lot.”

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Eriksson knows Rooney well, having handed him his England debut as a youngster when he was still at Everton.

Much has changed since, though. The turn of pace and dash of flair Rooney possessed with the ball at his feet has slowly seeped away, and as such, his influence on matches has gradually dwindled.

Even so, as we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, over the last few seasons, Rooney has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in the Premier League:

At 31, his best days may be behind him, but Rooney still has something to offer at the highest level, whether that be as a less important part of the team for United or a more significant role elsewhere. Indeed, Everton manager Ronald Koeman has insisted he would be “very pleased” to have the forward back at Goodison Park for a second spell, as reported by BBC Sport.

United boss Jose Mourinho has previously said Rooney is “going nowhere” anytime soon, although you sense that after 15 years playing consistent football, the England man will not be content with a place on the bench. A new challenge may be exactly what’s needed for the player.

Goncalo Guedes Discusses Future

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Benfica youngster Goncalo Guedes, a reported Manchester United target, has insisted he has no intention of leaving the club in the near future.

“I'm not thinking about leaving in January," he said, per Dan Gibbs of the Daily Express. "Benfica are the club of my heart, and I'm focused on playing for them.”

According to Record (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), United have been scouting the winger, who has a release clause of €60 million (£54 million) in his current Benfica contract. Here’s a look at why there’s so much buzz about Guedes’ talent:

This season, he’s enjoyed some wonderful form, excelling on the right flank and troubling defenders with his intricate skills in possession. Jan Hagen of Sport Witness thinks Guedes is set for a prosperous future:

Gibbs noted that there have been some comparisons between the 19-year-old and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, although there are some clear stylistic differences. Guedes isn’t quite as dynamic as the Real Madrid man, instead looking to use his close control and vision on the ball to influence the game.

It’d be no surprise if United and other big-name clubs had the teenager on their radar, such is his potential. However, it’s encouraging that he’s keen to stay with Benfica to continue honing his craft in Lisbon for a while yet.