Major League Soccer should be a "100 percent" attractive option for Wayne Rooney, according to Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson.

Rooney's former England teammates Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole have all made MLS moves in the past two years.

But while those players are all in the twilight of their careers, Paulson says MLS teams are more interested in luring stars with some years prime seasons remaining.

Asked about MLS as a possible destination for the 30-year-old Rooney, Paulson told The Mirror: "I would argue he still has some good soccer ahead of him. I think he would be a great signing for MLS -- 100 percent MLS would be attractive for him.

"Keeping in mind that is a very talented footballer, who has quality soccer ahead of him, you are not talking about a 34 or 35 year old."

MLS teams are eager to reproduce the success of Italy's Sebastian Giovinco, who is a contender to win the league's Most Valuable Player award for a second straight season after joining Toronto FC from Juventus at age 27.

Giovinco is also the second-highest paid player in MLS at over $7.1 million a year, and Paulson said there is more money to go around for players in Rooney's situation.

Wayne Rooney should consider moving to MLS sooner rather than later, says Merritt Paulson. PA Sport Images

"I get excited about the impact he would have in the MLS more than a guy who is coming in later in his career," Paulson told the newspaper.

"The MLS is offering significant money. There were conversations with some guys who are as big a name as Rooney recently.

"Orlando City had some high profile discussions with some players -- guys in his age range. There are some big-dollar numbers that have been put out."

In February, transfer reports linked Rooney to a three-year deal in the Chinese Super League that would have paid him £100 million in total.

And while MLS teams might not be prepared to spend that kind of money, Paulson said other factors can make playing for teams in the United States and Canada more attractive.

"China is a factor, but also players need to determine where they want to play and what is going to be best for their legacy and lifestyle -- where they want to live," Paulson said.

"I think America compares really favourably -- I wouldn't want to play soccer in Beijing right now. I am not saying that because I don't like China, but the air quality issue is something they have to deal with in a sport which requires fitness.

"Players need to make their own choices, but I think about other leagues being competitors for talent more than I do the Chinese league, where certainly there is a lot of money being splashed around."