Manchester United are reportedly considering selling Wayne Rooney to a Chinese Super League club this summer, if they can replace him with a marquee signing.
An offer for the Red Devils skipper has been received by a Chinese club for the 30-year-old, who was yesterday ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury, report the Manchester Evening News.
The England all-time leading goalscorer could earn more than £500,000-a-week in China, but the MEN understand that the Old Trafford side would have to offset any potential departure with a high-profile replacement that their global partners would approve of to promote their products.
Despite a few chastening seasons at United , Rooney remains the most marketable player at the club due to his longevity and success at Old Trafford, as well as with the England national side.
Rooney is expected to surpass Sir Bobby Charlton as the club's record goalscorer and remains United sponsors' most requested player to plug their brands, evidenced by shirt sponsor Chevrolet's recent viral video with the United no.10.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has made unsuccessful attempts to sign Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar since he replaced David Gill in 2013.
Last week, Woodward acknowledged the Chinese Super League could benefit United in the transfer market.
"So far, this is the biggest window in preparation for the next season, so I do think there'll be more activity in the summer, but it's very, very difficult to predict the impact that will have," Woodward said in United's quarterly conference call .
Louis Van Gaal gives update on Wayne Rooney's injury ahead of FC Midtjylland Europa League clash
"If nothing else, it [Chinese Super League]'s another useful market if we're looking to sell any players."
Rooney has enjoyed a resurgence recently, scoring seven goals in his last nine games after enduring arguably the worst spell of form in his 13-and-a-half year career.
Argentina international Ezequiel Lavezzi became the latest European-based player to head to China earlier this week, when he joined Hebei Fortune in a £23.5m two-year deal.
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