Magpies to make new Rooney bid

Newcastle United were today preparing an improved offer of around £25 million for Wayne Rooney.

The North-East club had a £20m bid rejected last week but they are still very keen on signing England's star striker.

The sale of Jonathan Woodgate generated £15m for Newcastle and it is understood they would not need to raise any further cash from outside sources to finance the proposed deal.

Reports on Merseyside suggest that Rooney has already told manager David Moyes that he is ready to leave Everton, but the debt-ridden club are desperate to maximise the return on their star asset.

In the wake of his stunning performances at Euro 2004, the 18-year-old was valued at £40m, but with no other clubs expressing serious interest, the price could well have dropped below £30m.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson would like to take Rooney to Manchester United, chief executive David Gill has indicated the club is unwilling to go into debt to finance the transfer.

Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has made no secret of his admiration for Rooney, who would form a formidable strike partnership with Alan Shearer should he move to Tyneside. Referring to his club's initial offer, Robson said yesterday: "It's £20m cash - genuine - you could buy a club for that.

"And Rooney's not just another striker. You're talking about buying the most exciting, brilliant young player in Europe. You can't blame me for trying to do that.