Chelsea’s interest in the United striker has been persistent right from the day Rooney’s desire to quit the Red Devils broke out. It has been more so over the past few days, as manager Mourinho looks to wrap up all the deals in time before the transfer window closes. The Blues have already had 2 bids rejected to date, and news is rife with rumors suggesting that a 3rd bid is in the pipeline.

On the other hand, a single look at the Chelsea squad suggests unrest on their part too, as their Spanish play maker Juan Mata is being heavily touted to be forced out the exit door at Stamford Bridge. Ever since Mourinho returned to London, Mata has fallen down the pecking order and has not started in either of Chelsea’s league games this season.

He has started the game on the bench and has not managed to get any game time thus far, as Mourinho prefers to instil his trust in the old guard of Frank Lampard. Also, with the capture of Willian set to be announced in the next 24-48 hours, Mata will be further pushed down the pecking order.

These facts and analysis have led to certain speculation which is suggesting that Chelsea’s Player of the Year for the previous two seasons will be offloaded soon. Moreover, Metro believes that Chelsea are pondering throwing Mata in the mix in their pursuit of Rooney, as they will hope that the lure of getting a quality play maker will convince United to let Rooney go.

Mourinho has not made an attempt to put these rumors down, in turn adding fuel to the fire over this deal materializing. He was asked about this possible transfer to which he said, “That’s hypothetical, because they didn’t ask.”

“The two answers we got from Man United is “we don’t accept the bid”, “we’re not interested in selling the player.”

“That’s the only official contact we had with Man United. Till Monday, we have nothing more to add to it.”

“We make the bid and they say no again. What do we lose? One email.”