Wayne Rooney: I'm staying at Manchester United

It had been reported earlier on Thursday that Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford had travelled to China to explore potential offers from the Chinese Super League.

However, Rooney has now moved to squash those rumours via a statement released to PA Sport.

First and foremost, Rooney has brought to an immediate end speculation surrounding his future. The key word here being immediate. The statement refers only to the current season, so a summer move could be in the offing. He has without mentioning names ruled out a move to the CSL this season.

Rooney thanked the clubs (plural) for their interest. He has options. There are multiple clubs interested in the England captain. Over the course of the last six months, Rooney has been linked to Everton, and a number of European and MLS clubs. If Rooney wants to remain England captain then he will likely have to stay in Europe.

The 31-year-old finishes with a slight flourish, outlining his hopes for the rest of the season. Wanting to play “a full part in helping the team in its fight for success on four fronts” could represent a pointed reference to his reduced playing time, or perhaps he is the archetypal company man who just wants the best for the club.

However, what looks increasingly likely is that this might very well be his last season at Old Trafford.

Speculation that Rooney could move to China ahead of the closure of the CSL’s transfer window next Tuesday began to mount after United manager Jose Mourinho’s comments earlier this week.

"You have to ask him. I can't guarantee that, how can I guarantee he will be here next season?," said Mourinho earlier this week.

"If he one day leaves the club it’s not because I want him to leave. I would never push or try to push a legend out of this club to another destiny, so you have to ask him if he sees himself leaving. I don’t want him to leave."

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Rooney, 31, moved to United in 2004 and last month became the club's all-time record goalscorer – a stunning late equaliser against Stoke taking him to 250 goals and surpassing the record previously held by Sir Bobby Charlton.