Everton today insisted no clubs have approached them with a view to signing Wayne Rooney.
The 17-year-old England striker is reportedly a target for Chelsea, and their billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is believed to be willing to pay £35 million sterling to lure him away from Goodison Park.
But Everton's head of corporate affairs this morning poured cold water on the story.
"We have had no contact with Chelsea or from any other club regarding Wayne Rooney and nor would we welcome any," he said.
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Everton are ready to offer Rooney a new £20,000, five-year deal, when he turns 18 next week but talk of a move to Stamford Bridge may well complicate talks between the teenager and the club.