Chelsea have reportedly failed in their second attempt to lure striker Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United.
The West London outfit were rebuffed by the Premier League champions last month when they lodged a bid believed to be in the region of £20m for the unsettled forward.
While some reports claimed that the Blues were ready to offer £40m for the England international, a £25m bid was turned down by United last night, according to ESPN.
Despite the club's resolve, it has been suggested that Rooney is ready to submit a transfer request in order to force through a move to Stamford Bridge.