Mourinho hints restless Rooney is on Chelsea's radar

Jose Mourinho's unveiling at Chelsea set tongues wagging about transfer targets, with Wayne Rooney the latest name linked...

Jose Mourinho's first probing by the British media in his second coming at Chelsea revealed more than just his self-imposed rebranding as the "happy one".

The Portuguese manager also dropped a huge hint that he would be willing to move the unhappy Wayne Rooney to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho told reporters: "I like him, he is at a fantastic age. He has maturity, big experience and is still young. It's up to him and what he wants, what makes him happy."

While these comments were made in relation to a direct question about the England striker's future, they are made more prominent by his lukewarm appraisal of £50 million man Fernando Torres.

Mourinho said: "If the best for all of us is for Fernando to stay, let's help him and try and get the best out of him."

Torres' chances of remaining in Chelsea's colours next season are currently rated at 2.22.

Chelsea have already been linked with big money moves for Edinson Cavani of Napoli and Fiorentina frontman Stevan Jovetic, suggesting that the hunt is very much on for Chelsea to bring in another top striker.

Chelsea are emerging as genuine title contenders with Mourinho back at the helm - rated alongside Man City at 3.5 and just inches behind Man United 3.3 - so it begs the question as to whether United would sanction such a move?

History suggests that the 13-time Premier League title winners will not relinquish such an iconic player as Rooney to a major rival easily.

Aside from letting Mikael Silvestre go to Arsenal, an arguably underperforming Juan Sebastian Veron move to the Bridge and the transfer of Carlos Tevez to City (which was out of their hands) - United do not let their rivals prosper often.

The Red Devils famously blocked Gabriel Heinze's prospective transfer to Liverpool before eventually letting him depart for Real Madrid in 2007.

However, this time around, Rooney's second transfer request only serves to back up his desire to be out of Old Trafford by the start of next season, with the England man available at 2.1 to leave.

It would be some coup from Mourinho, but not beyond his pulling powers.

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