Manchester United chiefs are growing increasingly confident of convincing Wayne Rooney to commit long-term to the club. The Independent says United remain convinced that the relationship between David Moyes and Rooney can resolve the outstanding grievances that the player has with the club and even open the door to talks about a new contract at some point in the season.

While the fallout from the summer is still being felt, especially with Sir Alex Ferguson's new autobiography to be published in a month's time, relations between United and Rooney are still sensitive.

Neither side feel there is anything to be gained in talking about the future yet, but there remains hope that - if his good form persists - Rooney could be persuaded to stay longer than the two years left on his current deal.