Shanghai officials deny Rooney approach from Chinese clubs
Football officials in Shanghai have dismissed reports that either of its city teams have made an approach for Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney.
The 31-year-old, who recently captured United's all-time goal-scoring record, has been an increasingly peripheral member of Jose Mourinho's plans in Stretford, prompting rumours of the Scouse forward banking the lucrative Far East wages soon.
Among those rumoured to be interested in Rooney's signature were Andre Villas-Boas' Shanghai SIPG, which is home to Brazilian duo Oscar and Hulk, and Shanghai Shenhua, which is overseen by Gus Poyet and counts Carlos Tevez, Obafemi Martins, and Fredy Guarin in its squad.
"For all we know, both Shanghai clubs in the CSL have finished their transfer business and there is no vacancy for foreign players whatsoever," a statement said, with translation from ESPN FC's Michael Church.
"The head of Shanghai FA described the report as totally groundless and fictitious."
Rooney's potential Chinese move may have been scuppered by the recent guidelines introduced by the country's Football Association. The new laws state that now only three foreign players can start a CSL match, rather than four.
Tianjin Quanjian owner Shu Yuhui claimed that this restriction had recently laid waste to his plans to sign Chelsea's Diego Costa, Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani, and various other leading strikers in the European game.
Related - Tianjin Quanjian owner: Rule changes scuppered Costa, Benzema moves
"Both Shanghai clubs have reiterated their promise to obey new rules introduced by the Chinese Football Association to promote the healthy and stable development of the professional football leagues," the statement added.
The 2017 Chinese Super League season kicks off in March, with the likes of Tevez, Oscar, and Tianjin newcomer Axel Witsel set to make their debuts.