Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted his desire to purchase Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
The manager told reporters during a press conference that Rooney was his only target on the transfer market. When asked if he was looking at any other players, Mourinho responded, "No. And we won't." Another reporter followed up with the question "So it's Rooney or bust?" and Mourinho answered with a curt "Yes."
The coach also noted that the offer to the Premier league champions was a straightforward "economic bid of a certain amount" and denied rumors that he had offered such players as David Luiz or Juan Mata in exchange.
"No other players [are] involved in the deal," said Mourinho. "No David [Luiz], No [Juan] Mata. Not one single player involved in our bid."
Rooney has been relegated to being the backup forward for Manchester United behind Robin Van Persie. New manager David Moyes made that announcement a few days ago and has left the Englishman confused and frustrated.
Mourinho expressed disdain for the choice and even noted that such use of the striker would impede his development and progress on both a domestic and international level.
"If Wayne is a second choice for Man United, then the national team will be affected," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told the BBC on Tuesday.
The team made an offer on Wednesday and officially announced it on its website.
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that yesterday it made a written offer to Manchester United for the transfer of Wayne Rooney," Chelsea said in a statement earlier on Wednesday. "Although the terms of the offer are confidential, for avoidance of doubt ... the proposed purchase price does not include the transfer or loan of any players from Chelsea to Manchester United."
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