Chelsea prepare £40m bid as Rooney prepares to submit transfer request this week

According to reports in the British press today, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, is set to hand in a transfer request this week.

The 27-year-old is unsettled at Old Trafford and remains keen to leave this summer, with Chelsea favourites to take him. Although David Moyes insisted after taking over that his former protege is not for sale, Rooney is ready to force the matter

“It is now clear that Wayne has made up his mind about leaving United,” a dressing-room source said.

“It has nothing to do with David Moyes. He simply feels that he needs a new challenge.

“The talk around the club has been that he will ­officially ask for a transfer in the next week.”

The Blues will reportedly up their offer to £40m, if Rooney eventually submits the request.