Goodbye Goodison

Everton's teenage sensation Wayne Rooney has handed in a formal transfer request as Newcastle and Manchester United battle for his signature.



The 18-year-old England international held talks with manager David Moyes before stating: "I hope Everton's fans will understand my decision".

Rooney added: "This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but I feel the time is now right for me to move forward with my career."

"The Euros were a fantastic experience for me. It made me realise I could play at the highest level."

"To do that I need to be with a club that is playing in Europe every year. I hope the Everton fans can come to understand my decision and I hope the transfer fee Everton Football Club receive will help the club move forward."

"The Everton fans have always been fantastic in their support of me. I hope they respect my decision and I also hope that some day in the future I could be welcomed back to watch the team I have supported since boyhood."

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to bring the teenage striker to Old Trafford after adding: "Rooney's a fabulous player - he showed that at Euro 2004 - and he is a young player."

"He's not the finished article yet, but we've got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on."

If both Newcastle and Manchester United offer the same price, Toffees manager David Moyes will have the final say over where young Rooney ends up.

Manchester United are thought to be willing to offer David Bellion as a makeweight whereas Newcastle will offer Shola Ameobi.

Personally, I would consider offering Louis Saha as he has yet to prove his worth.