D.C. United superstar Wayne Rooney might leave the MLS club after this season and return to England, two years before his contract expires, people close to the organization said Monday.
The primary suitor is second-tier Derby County, which sent chief executive Stephen Pearce to Washington in recent days to meet with United executives about a possible transfer this winter or after the 2020 season, said one person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
Another second-flight side, Burnley, is also interested, that person said.
The London Telegraph reported Derby and Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, have conducted preliminary talks about Rooney becoming a player-coach as early as this winter.