Wayne Rooney purchases a horse

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has purchased a so far unnamed yearling that will reportedly go into training with Tom Dascombe.

The England international was recently seen visiting Dascombe's yard in Cheshire, which has been largely funded by Rooney's club teammate Michael Owen.

The last 12 months have proved to be successful for Owen and Dascombe, with Black Panther in particular recording a number of victories.

"I can confirm that Wayne and Coleen (Rooney's wife) have bought a horse," said a spokesman for for Dascombe's yard.

"I can't confirm all the details as yet as it's very early stages. He's been down here and obviously liked what he saw and he's bought a yearling to go into training with us next year.

"If it's the next Brown Panther, that would be amazing."

Black Panther recently won at Royal Ascot and the St Leger.