Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to offer £30 million for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

The Mirror says Abramovich has personally sanctioned a stunning £30million move for the unsettled Manchester United star - who had a plea for a move rejected by manager Alex Ferguson a fortnight ago.

Contact has already been made between Chelsea, United and Rooney's representatives.

And if, as expected, David Moyes takes over from the retiring Ferguson as manager of the Old Trafford giants, it may be too late to stop the move.

Abramovich has told Rooney's representatives he is determined to sign the England striker as a statement of intent to co-incide with the planned return of Jose Mourinho for a second spell as manager.