Monaco monitoring Rooney, Aston Villa duo linked with Man Utd

Cash-rich Ligue 1 team Monaco could go back in for Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney in future, as the principality side’s vice-chairman Vadim Vasilyev has strongly hinted.

“One year ago, we were discussing one of the top players of the Premier League, a top English player,” he said said. “But it was on the table. This opportunity finally did not happen, but I think one day that it will come, that it will happen.”

If a move were to happen, Rooney, who only recently signed a whopping £300k-a-week deal to stay at Old Trafford until 2019, could get the chance to increase his earnings even more, due to Monaco being a tax-free state.

The new Reds Devils skipper’s side have started the season under his captaincy in inconsistent fashion, as United could not find a win in their first four games in league and cup this term. However, since then they have managed to ascend to fourth place in the top flight, ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool. They are 14/1 chances to take the title.

While Rooney has not yet set the league alight this campaign, he has found the net three times in six appearances. He earned himself a straight red card in the West Ham United win, after an inexplicable wayward challenge on Stewart Downing, meaning he sat out the recent 2-1 victory over his old side Everton. He will also be unavailable for an away trip to West Bromwich Albion and a crucial crunch clash with runaway table-toppers Chelsea.

United have an incredible array of talent to choose from up front, so would Rooney really be much of a miss to the club if they can get a good price? Van Gaal currently has the likes of Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao (hoping to seal a permanent transfer from Monaco), Angel Di Maria, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj at his disposal. Javier Hernandez is also to return from Real Madrid, and youngster James Wilson has been tipped for the top.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are reportedly tracking Aston Villa duo Ron Vlaar and Fabian Delph, who are both out of contract in the summer, for possible January cut price moves. The former highly impressed for Van Gaal in defence for the Netherlands at the World Cup, and could be a quick fix solution for United’s leaky defence.

A move for former Leeds United star Delph, however, may not go down with Whites fans, but the exciting midfielder’s outstanding performances have earned him his first caps for England this season.