In response to your comments
1). Undoubtedly. He is better than we currently have as back up striker though and in certain games could help Ross on the creativity side.
2). Not sure any if our young lads that are ready to step up can be compared to him tbh, so don't think he'll necessarily be holding any particular player back. Also, depending on how the FA cup quarters go, it's looking very likely that we'll be playing European football next season. We'll need a bigger squad and there will be ample opportunity for our younger players who are ready for a run out with the seniors.
3). Fully agree. But I would consider this more of a Gareth Barry signing than a Mark Hughes/Gazza/Ginola. His experience could be very important as we try and break into the Champions league positions.
4). Big issue. All depends on how much he costs and his salary demands. I certainly wouldn't want to pay over £10m fee or £100k pw. You need to appreciate that, despite the hate of a lot of English people, he is still a massive name worldwide, and his signing would increase our clubs profile no end. Just signing him would generate extra income for us from shirt sales etc, but also from the level of sponsorship we'll be able to attract. He could also help us attract a better level of player too.
5). Massive issue for me. Our fan base is polarised on Rooney and I can understand why. Personally, I'd welcome him back with no hard feelings, but certainly wouldn't dream of standing in judgement of fans that don't hold the same view. It's a very emotive subject and each is entitled to their view. However my concern is that this could spill over on match days, especially if Rooney is having a bad game, and I fear this could affect the team.
For this to work, Rooney would need to accept a different type of role than he is used to. He wouldn't be an automatic starter but with Europe there should be plenty of opportunity for him, plus I think he would relish the opportunity to work with some of our younger players and be able to pass on his experience to them. At this stage in his career, I think he would be revitalised. Let's be honest, it's going to be hard to attract anyone better to play second fiddle to rom up front, or to bring the guile (which he still has) and experience to our forward play. He would do a turn in the short term and give us time to bring through and develop some younger players, whether they be bought in or from our academy.
If the financial side is acceptable, it would get a thumbs up from me
