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Manchester United will not sell Wayne Rooney - even if he hands in a formal transfer request, writes David McDonnell in Sydney .

Despite Rooney’s current disillusionment and Chelsea’s determination to buy him, United are adamant they will not sell as they brace themselves for a written transfer request from their unhappy striker. Rooney is “angry and confused” at the perception he is now an understudy to Robin van Persie.

But United are adamant they will not be pushed into selling. Talks between the clubs ended with an agreement that no player from either side would publicly discuss the Blues’ pursuit of the striker.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho also agreed to not name-check Rooney, with questions over the Scouser declared out of bounds when he flew in to Malaysia from Thailand yesterday. But Chelsea are still poised to make a second offer of around £24m after their original £20m bid was rejected.

(Image: Stanley Chou)

Rooney, who flew home from United’s pre-season tour with a hamstring injury, is said to be doing bicycle work at the club’s training ground and could be back for a friendly in Sweden on August 6.

While United insist they don’t want to let Rooney go, boss David Moyes is encouraged that their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas will be successful – once they increase their offer.