Ronney hands in transfer request

**Roo69** · 27/08/2004, 12:10 PM

Wayne Rooney has handed in a transfer request at Everton.

The England striker is a target for Manchester United and Newcastle United with the Old Trafford outfit tipped to make an improved offer for the teenager on Friday.

There had been suggestions that Everton wanted Rooney to come clean about his own thoughts on the transfer saga and he has finally broken his silence on the matter.

In a statement released to the media, the hugely-talented hit-man has revealed his reasons for wanting to quit his boyhood heroes and move on to a bigger stage.

Rooney has expressed his hope that the Goodison fans understand his decision as he seeks to play European football on a regular basis following his international exploits in Euro 2004.
"This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career," he stated.
"The Euros were a fantastic experience for me, it made me realise I could play at the highest level.

"To do that, I need to be with a club that is playing in Europe every year. I hope the Everton fans can come to understand my decision and I hope the transfer fee Everton Football Club receive will help the club move forward.
"The Everton fans have always been fantastic in their support of me.
"I hope they respect my decision and I also hope that, some day in the future, I could be welcomed back to watch the team I have supported since boyhood."

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is hoping of snaring the Scouse phenomenon.

"It is as it was yesterday," said the Manchester United manager. "David Gill is in dialogue with Bill Kenwright.

"It only takes a second to say 'yes'.

"The difficulty is getting the medicals but, at the moment, it is not at the stage where are talking about it.

"We are waiting for an agreement before doing anything else."

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