Stoke plot shock move for Manchester United outcast

Stoke have emerged as shock suitors for Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, reports The Daily Mirror.

Rooney is widely expected to leave United this summer after dropping down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho this season.

The 31-year-old will have interest from MLS and China this summer but Stoke manager Mark Hughes wants to convince Rooney to ignore big money offers to join the Potters for next season.

Stoke are planning an ambitious offer to convince Rooney to join the club and are using the club’s main sponsor, Bet365, to bankroll a £45m move for the veteran forward.

However, while the ambition is there it remains to be seen whether they have any real chance of signing United’s record goalscorer. Rooney revealed after United’s Europa League triumph on Wednesday that Everton are the only other Premier League side he would consider playing for in the future.

Rooney only started 15 games in the Premier League this season and finished with a measly total of five goals, his worst ever return during his 13 years as a United player.

For more stats on Wayne Rooney, click here to visit his WhoScored player page