Moyes to sort Rooney future this week as Arsenal prepare swoop

After spending the weekend at Glastonbury watching headliners The Rolling Stones, Wayne Rooney will meet with David Moyes next week, with his new boss eager to know if he still can’t get any satisfaction at Old Trafford.

As Sir Alex Ferguson revealed before bowing out in style at the end of last season, Rooney asked for a transfer from the league champions – his second such request since his move from Everton in 2004.

Ferguson suggested that the striker was keen to move on and seek a new challenge after becoming disillusioned with his role as secondary striker following Robin Van Persie’s successful arrival from Arsenal.

And it is indeed the Gunners who are the surprising front runners for Rooney’s signature, should talks with Moyes break down this week.

Although reports in some of the Sunday papers alleging a £20m bid from North London are somewhat premature, it is believed Wenger will look to make a bold move for Rooney, particularly with his attempt to buy Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid hitting unexpected delays.

Although United are 2/1 favourites for the title next season while Arsenal are 12/1 fourth favs with Ladbrokes, a desire for a change, the pull of London and a guaranteed starting berth for a Champions League club are sure to tempt Rooney.

Although United insist the striker is not for sale, and some cynics suggesting that all the England striker is looking for is a new contract, it is widely known that his relationship with Moyes is frosty, harking back to their spat at former club Everton.

With the new boss officially starting in his role on Monday, he is eager to tie up the situation once and for all.

And in an ironic twist, Manchester City fans may also be keeping their fingers crossed that the two can bury the hatchet. For should Rooney insist on leaving, United will have no alternative but to sell him and recruit a replacement, with City target Robert Lewandowski the likeliest candidate.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.