TV stations battle for Rooney

LONDON. — Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a TV tug-of-war as broadcasters fight to secure him as a pundit.

Sun Online can reveal both Sky and BT are “desperate” to land the ex-England and Manchester United striker who quit as boss of Derby County last week. Sources say the 36-year-old faces being able to “name his price” as the channels race to land their star summer signing.

An insider told Sun Online: “Sky and BT would love to have Wayne as part of their punditry team and are desperate to get their man.

“He’s done Monday night football before on Sky and was really good and went down well with viewers.

“Wayne has a good banter with both Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville so producers think he could be a brilliant part of the set-up and a natural fit.

“However, BT is circling as well.

“Wayne is an absolute legend of the game and they know adding him to their team would be a major coup. He is keeping his options open for the moment and will be speaking to both channels.

“It is likely he will be able to name his price in the end as to where he works and it’s not beyond the realms he could work for broadcasters in America and the Far East as well which lots of the other players do.

“Rooney remains a god in China due to his time with Manchester United and he’s also massively admired in America following his playing days there…”

And Wayne is also catching the eye of terrestrial channels who are looking to finalise their World Cup line-ups.

“Wayne is one of England’s greatest players, so to have him as part of the World Cup team would be a natural fit,” our source added.

Despite being relegated with Derby, Rooney boosted his reputation as an aspiring manager.

He’s set to return to coaching school later this year to complete his management badges.

And, eventually, he wants to return to the dugout.

Our insider added: “Wayne has zero intention of turning himself into the next Gary Neville by doing one management job and then working on TV for the rest of his life.

“But he will be able to combine doing his coaching badges with TV work for a good few months which is why the idea really appeals to him.” — The Sun.