Chelsea's second official bid for Wayne Rooney has been turned down by Manchester United.
According to ESPN, the latest offer was for approximately 30 million pounds. "A bid was received yesterday and immediately rejected. Our position remains that he is not for sale," said a United spokesman.
Jose Mourinho's club has been adamant in its intentions to buy the Englishman from his current club; however, Manchester has been equally resistant to the notion of parting with one of its most important stars.
Mourinho told reporters during a press conference a few weeks ago that Rooney was his only target on the transfer market. When asked if he was looking to acquire any other players, the "Special One," as he is often called, responded: "No. And we won't." When another reporter followed up with the question, "So it's Rooney or bust?" Mourinho answered, "Yes."
Speculation over a Rooney transfer has been rampant after Manchester boss David Moyes made it known that his forward would be the backup to Robin Van Persie.
Reports indicate that this caused Rooney great discomfort and prompted the transfer rumors.
"I don't think Manchester United can sell him to another English team," said pundit Graeme Souness. "Whether it was intentional or it was unwise words by David Moyes, to say 'we see Wayne Rooney as vital back-up' for Van Persie, I don't know...If I'm Wayne Rooney I'm thinking 'wait a minute, I'm the star of the show'; if you're a big player, that's what you believe."
He added, "Rooney now sees himself as second fiddle to Van Persie; if I wasn't speaking on television I'd be using different words but he will be a very unhappy man at that...His ego has been dented and Manchester United have put themselves into a very difficult situation with Wayne Rooney - but I don't believe they can sell him to an English club."