Wayne Rooney responds to being made first choice for Birmingham City job

11 September 2023 , 14:02

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Wayne Rooney has spoken about speculation linking him with a move back to England (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney has responded to speculation linking him with a move to Birmingham City as his contract with D.C. United nears expiry.

The former England captain is the leading contender to replace John Eustace at St Andrews if the Blues boss is lured to Rangers. The Mirror understands Rooney could be targeted by Tom Brady's club if they are left in need of a new manager.

With Michael Beale still in his post in Glasgow, any murmurings over the ex-Manchester United hero returning to England remain hypothetical. But the 37-year-old's contract situation at D.C. United remains unresolved, despite the head coach and his agent's best efforts.

With his team currently in a tussle with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami for a MLS Playoffs place, it appears the issue is on the backburner for the time being, however. The four-time MLS Cup champions sit in ninth position - the final qualification place- in the Eastern Conference with 28 games played.

Responding to rumours linking him with other roles, Rooney said: "The contract situation, it is what it is, and that can wait until the end of the season. Unfortunately, I can’t stop speculation, that happens, but my only focus is to try and get D.C. United into the playoffs."

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His diplomatic fielding of the issue on this occasion was less barbed than his last response to questions regarding his long-term future. Rooney was open about his concerns, especially given the radio silence from his employers over whether his deal will be extended.

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He told the Washington Post: "I am slightly disappointed and frustrated that there has been no contact for two months. We asked about a new deal. We can sit down and talk about it. We haven’t heard back. Either way, I can take whatever the situation is. I was hoping we would have, either way, at least spoken about it. That hasn’t been the case.

"We asked to sit down and speak because planning for next season needs to go ahead. So we asked two months ago where everything was at, are we moving forward or not moving forward — if that’s the case from their point of view — and we haven’t heard back."

Rooney has been open about his desire for his MLS future to be resolved sooner rather than later, especially with his current deal set to run out at the end of the season. He expressed his concerns about arrangements for next season, especially with it still unclear whether he will remain at Audi Field.

He added: "That’s frustrating because, either way, I’d rather know what’s the plan because we have to plan for next season, we need to do it earlier rather than later. The fact we haven’t heard back is probably signalling one thing, but I’m sure they’ll have their reasons for that so I’ll wait and see."

Tom Beattie