Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan believes that the club are unlikely to sell striker Wayne Rooney before the close of the transfer window in 11 days' time.
The England international is said to be keen on leaving Old Trafford, but the Premier League champions have remained firm on their stance that the 27-year-old is not for sale.
Phelan, who left United at the end of the season following the retirement of ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson, believes that Rooney will only be allowed to leave if the club sign a new striker.
"I can't see United letting him go at this late stage if they want to let him go at all," Phelan told BBC Radio Manchester.
"If they bring in another striker possibly their stance might change but if they bring in a midfielder and a full-back surely you would want to keep Wayne Rooney as part of that. The one thing that needs to be resolved is if Wayne Rooney still wants to be at Manchester United."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that the club will make a third bid for Rooney after the Blues take on United at Old Trafford on Monday.
Danielle Joynson
