Manchester United to use Wayne Rooney to ruin Chelsea's transfer plans this summer

MANCHESTER UNITED are sensationally ready to offer Wayne Rooney to Everton in order to sign Romelu Lukaku, reports claim.

Rooney has endured a difficult season at Manchester United that has seen him score just seven times.

The 31-year-old flopped against Arsenal last Sunday and was benched for their 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo on Thursday night.

Despite being club captain, Rooney is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

And The Daily Mail claim the England skipper will be offered to Everton in a bid to lure Lukaku to Old Trafford.

It is said the Red Devils value Rooney at £17million.

Everton want £100m for Lukaku, who has netted 24 Premier League goals this season - more than any other player.

As a result, United are hoping Rooney's involvement in a deal could ensure they land the Belgium international for cheaper than what the Toffees are demanding.

Ronald Koeman supposedly values the former Blue at just £10m, while Rooney will also have to take a £100,000-a-week pay cut if he is to return to Goodison Park.

Romelu Lukaku and Wayne Rooney could be moving in the opposite directions

Mourinho reportedly sees Lukaku as the ideal replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

As well as United, Chelsea are also determined to snap him up.

Antonio Conte wants the forward to replace Diego Costa, who Express Sport understands is set for a move to the Chinese Super League.

But Jose Mourinho is ready to wreck his old side's transfer plans by attempting to bring the striker to United instead.