Everton offer Rooney new five-year deal
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-07 06:47

Everton have offered their teenage England striker Wayne Rooney a new five-year contract, describing it as the biggest in the premier league club's history.

Everton would not give details of the offer, which has been passed on to the 18-year-old's agent amid speculation that Rooney's sparkling performances at Euro 2004 could trigger a move to a bigger club.

Chief executive Trevor Birch told the club's website on Tuesday: "We believe this is the right offer for Wayne - one which fully reflects his growing stature within football.

"The five-year deal which has been offered to Wayne is the biggest ever made in this club's history and will hopefully not only satisfy Wayne's demands but will also serve to underscore the club's ambition."

He added: "Everyone at Everton is anxious that Wayne remains at Goodison Park to continue his footballing education under the stewardship of David Moyes and his coaching staff."

Liverpool born and bred, Rooney has come up through Everton's youth ranks since he was nine.

His meteoric rise over the past two years was topped off by scoring four times in England's Euro 2004 campaign in Portugal before breaking a bone in his foot in the early stages of their quarter-final defeat by the host nation.

Rooney has two years left on his current contract, signed in January 2003.

Chelsea won't make offer for Rooney

Chelsea's new manager Jose Mourinho on Monday ruled out an offer to Everton for England sensation Wayne Rooney.

Mourinho said that he was a big fan of 18-year-old Rooney whose attacking displays impressed at Euro 2004, but the Portuguese coach insisted that Chelsea are not in the market for the England striker.

"I love him. His personality is amazing," said Mourinho. "When a kid of 18 plays like he did, it is absolutely amazing.

"I always admire kids like him and Ronaldo. They seem like they are 30 years old and full of confidence.

"But it is not just too much money; I think we have other priorities in terms of players and positions.

"Rooney is a wonderful attacking player, but he is not a pure striker, a target man. He plays with free movement just behind on both sides, we have other players with these qualities."

Mourinho, who took over from Claudio Ranieri last month, said that there were other areas that needed strengthening ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off against Manchester United on August 15.

Serbia and Montenegro international striker Mateja Kezman, is currently in London undergoing a medical as he looks to finalize a 5 million pound (US$9 million) transfer from PSV Eindhoven.

But Mourinho dismissed links with Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids, stating that he has great confidence in France international Claude Makelele.

"It is the first time I have heard about him being linked with Chelsea," said former Porto boss Mourinho.

"I wouldn't like him. He is a very good player, but I think in English football, you cannot play in midfield with two players together who are 1.70 metres. With Makelele, it would not be a good combination."

Jesper Gronkjaer and Mario Melchiot are both set to leave Chelsea this summer, with Birmingham keen on signing the pair, while Hernan Crespo looks unlikely to feature for the Blues again after it emerged the Argentinian striker had not turned up for a requested pre-season meeting Monday morning.

Crespo had an indifferent first season after joining Chelsea from Inter last summer and has made it clear he is keen to return to Italian football.

"We sent letters to all the players to be in Stamford Bridge this morning for breakfast but he was not there," said Mourinho.

"I have no written answer. I don't know if something has happened with the flight, or his desire, I don't know."

Mourinho, preparing for a pre-season tour of the US, will have two assistant managers next season - former Porto number two Baltemar Brito and ex-Chelsea player Steve Clarke.

The lineup will be completed by fitness coach Rui Faria, goalkeeper coach Silvino and scout Andre Villas.

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