Stoke preparing staggering bid for Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney

Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney could be subject of a sensational £45 million bid this summer, from Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The 31-year-old has found gametime hard to come by under new boss Jose Mourinho this term, with the forward finishing the campaign with just 25 starts in all competitions, of which only 15 came in the Premier League.

Although he broke United’s all time goal-scoring record this season, incidentally grabbing his 250th against Stoke back in January, it has been one of Rooney’s most disappointing campaigns since moving to Old Trafford back in 2004, and thus he may consider his options this summer.

And Hughes’ Stoke have thrown their hat into the ring, with the Potters reportedly ready to launch a £45 million bid for the England skipper.

The Staffordshire-based club are looking to use the financial power of sponsor bet365 to tempt Rooney to the Midlands, although they could find it difficult given that the United stars has often said that he’ll only play for two top-flight sides, Man United and Everton.

And with interest expected to arise from China and the United States, it’s going to be a tall order for Hughes and the Stoke hierarchy, but nonetheless it is a deal that could go ahead this summer.