The Times
 

Everton furious over plot to prise away Rooney
By Oliver Kay,  24 August 2004

EVERTON last night rejected a £20 million offer from Newcastle United for Wayne Rooney amid conspiracy theories that the bid had been made either as a desperate publicity stunt or a favour to the player’s agents in order to hasten his departure from Goodison Park.

While officials at St James’ Park were insisting that their interest was genuine, an alternative theory suggested that it was part of an elaborate plan that would end with the forward joining Manchester United — with Newcastle handsomely rewarded for their role in the affair.

News of the bid — the first offer received for Rooney since his heroics for England in the European Championship finals — was leaked by Newcastle to Sky Sports News, prompting suspicion about the motives of the Tyneside club.  Everton’s first instinct was that Newcastle were using Rooney as an attempt to pacify supporters disenchanted by the sale of Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid.

However, an alternative theory emerged.  Sources suggested that this may be part of a plan, possibly in collusion with the ProActive Sports Group, which represents Rooney and enjoys a close relationship with Newcastle, to force Everton to confirm his availability and drive him towards United, either now or during the January transfer window.  Another dimension is provided by Newcastle’s interest in John O’Shea, the United defender, who, it is claimed, will fill the void left by Woodgate if the plan works.

Everton have been encouraged to believe that Rooney will sign a new £50,000-a-week contract — with a clause that would allow him to move to any club offering a specified amount for his services — and announced last night that Newcastle’s offer had been rejected.  Nevertheless, it is certain to have an unsettling effect at Goodison after a delay yesterday in the club’s efforts to secure a £20 million investment by Anton Zingarevich, the son of a Russian multimillionaire.

The Everton board was due to meet yesterday to discuss a share issue that would see Zingarevich buy a 40 per cent stake in the club, but the meeting was postponed because Paul Gregg, a director, demanded more time to consider the proposals.

[The above is unedited and provided within ToffeeWeb for archival purposes].

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