Wayne Rooney exit latest: David Moyes praises Manchester United striker ahead of talks

The England international has asked for a transfer

Wayne Rooney celebrates with the Premier League trophy (GETTY IMAGES)

The prospect of Wayne Rooney remaining at Manchester United appears to have increased after David Moyes praised the striker last night.

The new Manchester United manager was speaking at the Cambridge Union Society when asked about Rooney's progress since he left Everton for Old Tafford.

"I don't watch all Manchester United games," he replied. "But he is definitely one of the best players in the world."

Moyes also recalled his time working with the England international when the pair were at Goodison Park.

"I remember watching him during training and he was amazing," he said. "We [the staff] asked each other: 'Did he just do that?' I believe he is the last street footballer, the kind like in Glasgow."

Moyes' comments are the first on the subject of Rooney since it was announced that the Everton manager would succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

His first job when he starts work at Old Trafford next week will be to address Rooney's future. The striker asked for a transfer a few weeks back, although it was made before Ferguson's retirement plans were known. United refused the request and have insisted he will not be sold, but that decision is now for Moyes to take.

The pair are expected to hold talks next week and it's understood Rooney is open to a change of heart now that a new manager has been installed. His grievances at being played out of position or not playing at all lie with Ferguson.

Rooney was booed by some fans during yesterday's parade in Manchester and the path forward looks murky for the 27-year-old. He has two years left to run on his current deal and United will be reluctant to let his contract run any lower than that for fear of his value diminishing. This summer is likely to see progress one way or the other - but whether he signs a new contract or is sold remains to be seen.