Rooney: a dream or a nightmare?

Abramovich's £140m takeover came out of nowhere and the extent of the club's subsequent spending has taken everyone by surprise.

It is the club's poaching of chief executive Peter Kenyon from Manchester United, though, that reveals the true extent of their ambition. Kenyon is a lifelong United fan and has been crucial to the club's rise to global dominance over the last 10 years, but all it took was a quick call from Abramovich to buy his loyalty.

Who is to say that Everton and Rooney's litany of advisers could not be similarly persuaded?

Chelsea's acting chief executive Paul Smith has issued a statement saying that Rooney is not one of their targets, but the signals coming out of the club are mixed at best.

If they have no intention of chasing Rooney, then why did he suggest that the barrel-chested striker might be on their list of future targets? Adding that the club have an unlimited transfer budget and are not restricted by a financial ceiling has only inflamed the situation further.

Smith is new to the job of running a Premiership football club, but the 51-year-old has vast experience of marketing with respected sports agencies ISL and IMG. And, as the man who advised the Premiership over their original marketing strategy, he should know how to handle the newspapers.

He was recommended to Chelsea by Kenyon and may stay on in some capacity when the former United boss is liberated from his gardening leave. Until Kenyon arrives, however, it is difficult to know who is calling the shots.

Everton are privately furious at Smith's comments but may not be without blame themselves. The original story appears to have originated on Merseyside and, though the club have denied any involvement, news of Rooney's availability could be in their interests.

They have debts of £35m and the original price quoted for Rooney was, you guessed it, £35m. The teenager has long been seen as the saviour of the club, and it would be hugely ironic if his sale guaranteed their long-term survival.

Another explanation for the leak is that the players' advisors could be agitating for a new contract. When Rooney signed professional terms on his 17th birthday last season, he was restricted to three years because of his age, but when he turns 18 next week he will be able to commit himself for another five years.

Contrary to press reports, Everton have no plans to open negotiations on a new contract at this stage, though the threat of a bid from Chelsea will surely concentrate their minds.

Whatever happens, Rooney will certainly be the last to know.

As a shy, home-loving boy, who is still with his high-school sweetheart, he would be reluctant to leave his family - but he may not get a choice.

For all the talk of player power, they can still be sold behind their backs at a moment's notice.

Rooney is an Everton fanatic and was recently photographed wearing a T-shirt sporting the logo, "Once a Blue, always a Blue," to illustrate his committment.

His choice of clothing may prove more prophetic than he realises.