Will Mata move tempt Rooney to stay?

Manchester United's capture of Juan Mata could be the statement of intent that keeps Wayne Rooney at the club.

The England striker has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford since the end of last season when Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he had put in a transfer request.

But in the week when United completed a club record £37million signing of Mata from Chelsea, Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, was twice spotted at the Reds' Carrington training complex, sparking rumours that new contract talks were underway.

And Michael Owen, Rooney's former teammate for club and country, has further lifted the hopes of United fans by tweeting : "So, Juan Mata is on the verge of a move to United. A little dickie bird tells me there is more good news for United fans coming soon!"

Late on Friday, United announced they had reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Mata.

The midfielder will have a medical, almost certainly on Saturday, and personal terms are also still to be agreed.

However, unless there are any hitches, Mata will make his debut in Tuesday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Cardiff at Old Trafford.

"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Chelsea Football Club for the transfer of Juan Mata for a club-record fee," said United in a statement.

"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms.

"A further announcement will be made in due course."