Everton deny Rooney rumour

Last updated : 06 January 2003 By Austin Rathe
Everton have been quick to deny speculation that they are considering allowing Real Madrid to have first refusal on Wayne Rooney.

"Stories which surfaced over the weekend suggesting that the Everton board of directors had entered into negotiations with Real Madrid about a future deal involving Wayne Rooney are inaccurate and spurious." Said a Statement on Evertonfc.tv "There has been no contact whatsoever between the two clubs about Wayne Rooney or, indeed, any other footballer.

"At present the club's board, along with manager David Moyes,are concentrating their efforts on assembling a senior squad, which will, hopefully, ultimately fill the ambitions of every Everton supporter.

"Like any self-respecting football club one of our primary objectives is to ensure that our better players stay put so that they might contribute to the building of a successful future."

To be honest, as much as i think this is rubbish, what would be the big deal if Everton conned Real, or anyone else out of a couple of million quid by selling the first refusal? Ok, it's not great PR but the money would be nice.