Manchester United Start Contract Talks With Striker Wayne Rooney

Manchester United have begun negotiations over a new contract with striker Wayne Rooney, according to Sky sources.

The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his current deal, but the club has contacted Rooney's representatives and the offer to start talks has been accepted.

Rooney is likely to be offered a four-year extension on more than £250,000-a-week, with both United and the England striker keen to secure a deal.

Rooney was a summer target for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who this week sanctioned the sale of Juan Mata to Old Trafford.

There was speculation Mata's imminent arrival could increase Mourinho's chances of landing Rooney this summer, but that prospect now looks a distant one.

Mata, meanwhile, flew to Carrington on Saturday to undergo his medical ahead of his club-record £40m move from Stamford Bridge.

The Spain international is expected to train with his new team-mates on Sunday, although the paperwork cannot be completed before Monday.