D.C. United superstar Wayne Rooney might leave the MLS club after this season and return to England, two years before his contract expires, people close to the organization said Monday.
The primary suitor is second-tier Derby County, which sent chief executive Stephen Pearce to Washington in recent days to meet with United executives about a possible transfer this winter or after the 2020 season, said one person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Another second-flight side, Burnley, is also interested, that person said.
The London Telegraph reported Derby and Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, have conducted preliminary talks about Rooney becoming a player-coach as early as this winter.
Rooney, who will turn 34 in October, has been a blockbuster success with 23 goals and 14 assists in 43 regular season appearances. This season, while United (9-7-9) has failed to meet expectations, the captain leads the team in goals (11) and assists (seven).
nfl
Watt breaks fan's bike
A funny thing happened when Houston Texans star J.J. Watt, a Wisconsin native, got to fulfill one of his long-held dreams Monday by riding a bicycle belonging to a young fan during Green Bay Packers training camp.
Funny unless it was your bike. Because, as it turns out, bad things happen when 288-pound football players tries to ride a kids bike.
Every year, players at Lambeau Field greet young fans and ride their bikes from the locker room to the practice field. Watt was eager to join the parade, with the Texans working out this week in Green Bay ahead of Thursday night's game.
