ManU's Wayne Rooney has been "identified as a possible target" by L.A. FC, Major League Soccer’s latest franchise, according to Paul Hirst of the LONDON TIMES. L.A. FC will enter the MLS in '18, "when Rooney’s contract at Old Trafford is due to expire." ManU still has the option to extend its captain’s deal by another season but the forward’s long-term future at ManU "has been cast into doubt" after ManU Manager José Mourinho started the England captain in only one of the club’s past six Premier League games. Although Rooney has told friends that "he is determined to see out his contract, he has previously stated that he would consider a move" to the U.S. L.A. FC Owner Tom Penn said, "Wayne Rooney is an example of the caliber of player we are looking to bring to L.A. FC." Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas and Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernández are among the other players L.A. FC is "said to be considering" (LONDON TIMES, 11/15).
SCHWEINSTEIGER: The PA reported ManU midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has "held talks with the Chicago Fire about a move to the MLS club." The former Germany captain is "yet to play a single minute" under Mourinho in the Premier League this season and he met Chicago head coach Veljko Paunovic in Manchester on Friday. Negotiations are "still at an early stage and nothing has been formally agreed." Schweinsteiger is understood to be "keen on a switch to America and now considering his options, with Chicago not the only club to have expressed an interest in the 32-year-old" (PA, 11/14).
LAMPARD: In London, Oliver Kay reported Chelsea will offer Frank Lampard the "opportunity to return to Stamford Bridge, either as a coach or in an ambassadorial role, as he ponders whether to retire after confirming his departure" from MLS side NYCFC. Lampard, 38, is to leave N.Y. when his contract with the club expires at the end of the year. The former England midfielder is "expected to have offers to continue playing and to embark on a new career in punditry, having done occasional work for Sky Sports and the BBC over the past 12 months," but Chelsea hopes to talk to him about a future role at the club (LONDON TIMES, 11/15).
GERRARD: The BBC reported former Liverpool and England captain Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will leave LA Galaxy and "take time to consider his future." Gerrard, 36, joined the club in '15 and "scored five goals in 34 appearances during two seasons in America." His contract "expires next month" (BBC, 11/15).
