Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney a prime target for new MLS franchise Los Angeles FC

The latest MLS club wants to recruit a high-profile player to be be face of the franchise, with England’s all-time highest scorer at top of the wishlist

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Wayne Rooney’s future at Manchester United, even though manager Jose Mourinho has time and again reiterated the English forward is a key part of his plans.

The striker was linked with a big money move to China in the summer, with Beijing Guoan’s chairman admitting the player rejected an approach from the Chinese club as Rooney wanted to stay at Old Trafford as long his health permitted him to stay. Nonetheless, new MLS franchise Los Angeles FC will be trying to tempt Wayne Rooney away from Manchester, claims English newspaper Telegraph.

Telegraph reports Los Angeles FC wants a ‘global star’ to headline the project, with the 31-year-old attacker high on the list of target.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Wayne Rooney of England carries the match ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on November 11, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: Wayne Rooney of England carries the match ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifying match between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium on November 11, 2016 in London, England. (Photo courtesy – Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

MLS clubs are allowed to signed ‘three designated players’, whose wages can fall outside the salary cap, which means the MLS franchises can match or offer improved terms to Wayne Rooney over his reported £300,000-a-week current contract.

Speaking to ESPN, Los Angeles president and owner Tom Penn remained coy, stating, “We have spoken generally about the desire for a player of global stature. I knew there would be interest but I have been surprised at the level of player and coach who have already expressed interest in joining our amazing project.”

However, if Los Angeles FC are to follow up on their reported interest in Rooney with a firm offer, the player would have to wait until 2018, as that’s when the latest MLS franchise would officially be a part of the league.

Wayne Rooney has suffered a drastic fall from grace in the past few years, with questions constantly posed regarding his form and exact role at the club. The English marksman, however, is only three goals away from becoming Manchester United’s all time top scorer, which may be one of Rooney’s motivation to continue his career at the club.

It was said Rooney and his wife didn’t want to relocate to China and thus the offer from Beijing Guoan was rejected, but an offer from Los Angeles could well be very appealing for him and his family.