By Chris O'Brien
August 28 2004

Manchester United have made an improved offer for Everton's Wayne Rooney as the battle to sign the England international continues. A spokesmen for the Toffees has confirmed the new United bid is above the figure of £23.5million.

Everton have confirmed that Manchester United have made an improved bid for England striker Wayne Rooney, after the Red Devils had their initial £20million bid rejected by the Merseyside club.

It has been revealed that United's second bid is higher than Newcastle's £23.5million off that was rejected. Previous reports suggested that David Moyes values Rooney at £25million, and that could be the figure United have offered for the services of the youngster.

Rooney had a transfer request accepted on Friday which made it almost certain that the player will leave the club, leaving Newcastle and United to battle it out for the players' signature before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.

More news is expected over the next day or so, with Everton probably going to wait for the Magpies' next bid before deciding whether to accept United's improved offer. Moyes insists he doesn't want to sell Rooney, but with the player now requesting a move and the Goodison Park club in a financial mess, he will almost certainly move to pastures new.