Star striker Wayne Rooney told Manchester United he wants to quit the English Premier League club after an apparent falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, The (London) Times reported Monday.
The news came only hours after Manchester United branded as "nonsense" suggestions the England international could be sold in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The striker's every move has come under scrutiny this season following allegations about his private life and a slump in form following a dismal World Cup performance for England at the World Cup in South Africa.
Rooney also appeared to contradict Ferguson's assertion he was suffering from an ankle injury by stating last week that he was fully fit and had been training as normal all season.
Ferguson left the former Everton man out of his squads against Valencia and Sunderland after he was taken off during the draw with Bolton, and also omitted Rooney from the starting team in Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Brom.
Although the club rarely comments on individual stories, United opted on Sunday to make a brief response to suggestions Rooney's alleged rift with Ferguson is now so great that he will be ushered towards the exit door.
"To suggest Wayne Rooney will be sold in January is nonsense," a club spokesman said.
According to The Times, tensions between Rooney and Ferguson have increased over the past week.
The newspaper said the striker, who earns £90,000 (US$144,000) a week, has halted negotiations on a new deal and told the club he will not sign a new contract, which would force it to either sell Rooney in the January transfer window or lose him at the end of the season for no fee.
Relations between Ferguson and Rooney have reportedly been strained ever since The News of the World revealed in early September that the player visited prostitutes while his wife, Coleen, was pregnant.
