Source: Team_Talk
Bookies back City to win Rooney race
Wayne Rooney is odds-on to leave Manchester United during the January transfer window, with local rivals City favourites for his signature.[LNB] Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the striker wants to quit the Red Devils.[LNB]Rooney is now as short as 2/7 with Betfred and William Hill to leave Old Trafford during the next transfer window - Paddy Power will give you 4/7 - while bet365 offer 1/6 that he's gone by the time next summer's window is slammed shut.[LNB]As for his next club, Manchester City are widely regarded as favourites for Rooney's signature.[LNB]Sky Bet make Manchester City 9/4 jollies to sign him in January. [LNB]The Leeds-based firm make Barcelona 9/2 second favourites while Real Madrid are available at 6/1 with Chelsea close behind at 8/1. [LNB]Sky Bet's Dale Tempest said: "What an incredible press conference from Sir Alex Ferguson. It's no longer a case of if Rooney leave but when and who to. It won't surprise anyone that City are the 9/4 favourites."[LNB]Few players have made the cross-city switch, although Carlos Tevez did so recently and has proven a success at Eastlands.[LNB]Sky Bet bet on the Rooney transfer fee, although with United no longer on the stock exchange it may never be confirmed. [LNB]They offer 5/6 either side of £30.5million. The bet is only valid for the January window.[LNB]The Rooney news also affected the Premier League title betting.[LNB]As well as having an unhappy camper in their midst, United also have an injured one at the moment as Ferguson confirmed that Rooney has picked up an ankle injury in training.[LNB]As a result, Sky bet lengthened United's title odds to a stand-out 11/2.[LNB]Meanwhile, Paddy Power feel the whole saga might just be the beginning of the end for Ferguson at Old Trafford.[LNB]After almost 24 years in the job, Ferguson is just 2/1 to retire in 2011 and 15/8 to quit in 2012. You can get 10/1 that the legendary boss goes before the New Year.[LNB]Paddy Power said: "Fergie looked personally hurt by the falling out with Rooney in today's press conference and should United's last superstar desert Old Trafford it might be time for the great manager to finally put his feet up."[LNB]Sky Bet's Tempest agreed, saying: "I don't think I've ever seen Sir Alex so perplexed by the events that have unfolded around him. He may never before have considered retiring but this could just tip him over the edge."[LNB]His firm are offering a special market on Ferguson's future making the Scot 16/1 to retire before February 2011.
