Wayne Rooney is set to offered the chance to work as a pundit at this year's World Cup in Qatar, which could prolong his time apart from wife Coleen.
Rooney, 36, was unveiled as DC United manager earlier this month - his second job in management after a 20-month spell at Derby County. It's been a tough start for the former England international, picking up just one point from his first three MLS fixtures.
Rooney hasn't been joined in Washington by Coleen and his four children. Coleen struggled to settle in the city when the Manchester United icon played for DC between June 2018 and January 2020, eventually cutting his contract short to finish his carer in England.
Rooney is expected to return to the UK when the MLS season ends in October and spend some time with his loved ones before the new campaign gets underway in February. According to The Sun, however, he could spend a month of that break in Qatar.
It's claimed Rooney is at 'the centre of a tug-of-war' between the BBC and ITV for his services. "Wayne is keen to be involved," a source told The Sun. "Not only is it a really lucrative opportunity but it's an area Wayne is keen to get more experience in.
"Wayne has appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football and really enjoyed the whole thing and broadcasting is an area he is keen to get more experience in. And for ITV and BBC, landing Rooney would be a massive coup.
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"He is one of England’s greatest ever players and remains a massive fan of the national team. All of this is obviously not ideal for Coleen though as it means Wayne is likely to be away in December."
Rooney will consult Coleen and the kids before making a decision. The ex-striker has already installed a 'Coleen clause' in his 18-month DC contract, which will allow him to speak to Premier League clubs when a job becomes available during the new season.
"Wayne planned summer with the family after leaving Derby County," a source told Mirror Football . "He didn’t expect to be offered a job so soon... I think he’ll only return if it’s a big club, but being home with Coleen and the boys would be a big factor for him."
Although the new MLS campaign doesn't start until February, Rooney will need to report back to Washington in January for pre-season. It's claimed he's very committed to his job and is working "day and night" to achieve success in the US.
"Wayne is throwing himself into this new job and absolutely loving it," a source told The Sun. "When he was at Derby he slept at the training ground to make sure he was there enough to give the job his full attention and he will do the same if he needs to in the States.
"He is working hard and has been watching DC’s previous games over and over again to try and pick up on things that can be improved. Wayne is determined to succeed."
