I will fight to the death to get Rooney, says dogged Mourinho as Chelsea boss continues pursuit of wantaway striker

Jose Mourinho insists he will fight until ‘the last day’ to sign Wayne Rooney.
Chelsea have had two offers rejected by Manchester United, the latest a £25million bid made on Sunday. But Mourinho said: ‘There is no time limit on it.

In the driving seat: But Rooney, driving to training on Thursday, wasn't involved with the first-team

Driven out? Rooney has been banished to the reserves by David Moyes

‘We have identified the player as one we would like to have with us. We have done it in an ethical way and we are going to do that until the last day. We are doing things legally, making the official bid directly to the club.

‘There have been no direct relations with the player, no contact — absolutely nothing. So let’s see if things change.’

Rooney has told manager David Moyes that he wants to go, but United insist he is not for sale. 

Dogged pursuit: Jose Mourinho says he will not give up on signing Wayne Rooney

Meanwhile, United’s long-running pursuit of Cesc Fabregas appears to have ended after the Barcelona midfielder said he wishes to stay at the Nou Camp.

Fabregas said: ‘Triumphing in Barcelona is what I have been hoping for all my life, it’s been my dream since I was a child. I haven’t spoken to any other club in the last two years.’

Spelling it out: Cesc Fabregas says he has no desire to leave Barcelona

 
Twin targets: United will continue their pursuit of Marouane Fellaini (left) and Leigton Baines

A United spokesman said: ‘We appreciate Cesc is a contracted player at Barcelona and completely respect everything Cesc has said.’
United will now continue to try to bring in Everton’s Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.