Everton have confirmed that they have turned down an increased bid for Wayne Rooney from Newcastle as well as turning down Manchester United’s initial £20m offer for the 18-year-old.
Newcastle put in a fresh offer – believed to be £23.5m – after United matched their opening £20m bid.
“Newcastle have submitted an increased offer for Wayne Rooney – one which has been turned down,” said Everton’s head of public relations, Ian Ross. .
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson earlier confirmed his desire to land Rooney.
“We have made our intentions clear we would like the boy,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson added on MUTV: “Rooney’s a fabulous player – he showed that at Euro 2004 – and is a young player.”
“He’s not the finished article yet, but we’ve got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on.”
It has been reported that Newcastle are willing to go as high as £28m to land England’s star of Euro 2004.
But Everton chairman Bill Kenwright insists a decision is down to manager David Moyes.
“Whatever happens with the sale, if it happens, it will be down to the manager,” he said.
“It’s the manager’s final decision.”
“I would love him to be at Everton when he’s a granddad. I can’t tell you if he will be at Everton next week.
“We don’t need to sell Wayne Rooney, we do not need to sell him.”
