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Wayne Rooney will be offered a new contract by Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to kill off speculation about Rooney’s future by insisting that he wants to open negotiations with the striker about extending his current deal.

Sunday Mirror Sport understands that Rooney will not hesitate to sign on the dotted line.

The 27-year-old, who has just over two seasons years left on the five-year, £250,000-a-week contract he signed in October 2010, wants to spend the peak years of his career at Old Trafford.

Rooney’s omission from the United team eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in midweek sparked reports that the England international would be sold in the summer.

But Ferguson promised that United would be making a serious intent.

“There is absolutely no issue about a new contract for Wayne,” said the United boss.

“When it is time to renegotiate with Wayne it will be done.

“We don’t want our best players to leave and Wayne is coming into his mature years.

“He got me 32 goals last season and, although he’s had issues with illness and injuries this year, and hasn’t had a long run of games, he’s already got me 14 goals.

“For people to suggest that I don’t talk to Wayne on the training ground is absolute b******s. It’s an insult to me and to Wayne.”

(Image: Shaun Botterill)

Robin van Persie has emerged as United’s top shot this season and several remarks made about Rooney’s fitness levels have been seen as a sign that Ferguson is not happy with his lifestyle choices.

There would have been no shortage of takers had United looked to recoup the £20million they paid Everton for Rooney in 2004.

But it is understood that the player would have resisted any attempt to move him abroad and is desperate to stay close to his family in the north west.

Rooney’s wife Coleen is expecting the couple’s second child and is still mourning the tragic death of her 14-year-old sister Rosie in January.

Meanwhile, Ferguson wants to bring Luka Modric back to the Premier League.