'Mourinho likes Rooney'

LONDON - Jose Mourinho has left the door ajar for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to make the move to Chelsea this summer after describing the England striker as "a little bit like me".

Rooney became increasingly unsettled at United as last season progressed and now departed Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed in the final throes of the campaign that the striker had asked for a transfer.

There has been no word from the Rooney camp on the subject, but he has been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

At his opening Chelsea press conference on Monday, Mourinho's transfer plans were put in the spotlight and he was asked about the prospect of signing Rooney.

"I like him," Mourinho said. "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."

Mourinho has insisted there is no need for money to motivate Rooney and has called on him to make the right move for his career.

"He's a little bit like me," Mourinho added. "He doesn't need one more pound in his contract and one more cup won't make a difference. Be happy.

"Where is he happy? Where will he find more happiness to have ambition and drive him?"