Rooney poised to sign new United deal

LONDON, Feb 17 (AFP): Wayne Rooney is this week expected to sign a new contract that would keep the England striker at Manchester United until the end of the 2018-2019 season, local media reported Monday. The 28-year-old could seal his Old Trafford future as early as Wednesday or Thursday, the Press Association said. Media speculation about Rooney's future at the English Premier League giants has swirled since Chelsea attempted to lure him away before the start of the current season.

But despite United's troubles under new manager David Moyes-which sees them in the unfamiliar position of seventh, 15 points off the pace set by Chelsea-Rooney is thought to be settled at Old Trafford.