Wayne Rooney 'is in talks to land new role as Match of the Day pundit'

Wayne Rooney is reportedly in talks to join Match of the Day as a pundit, starting next season.

Earlier this week, the BBC confirmed that Kelly Cates will present Match of the Day following Gary Lineker ’s departure at the end of the season - and form a three-person rota with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.

Going forward, Lineker will continue to present the men’s FA Cup in 2025-26 and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC.

Rooney hopes to join the show as a rotating guest pundit and could command up to £200,000 a year for his services, according to The Sun.

Last April, Rooney was set to debut on the show, but was forced to withdraw from his appearance due to a back injury.

A month later, he took the reigns as manager at Plymouth Argyle but was sacked after 25 games on New Year's Eve last year, with the club in freefall and rock bottom of the Championship.

The former England and Manchester United captain, 39, returned to his wife and children in Cheshire after another disastrous spell in management ended after seven months.

It was his third stint in the English second-tier after failures at Derby County and Birmingham City. He has also managed in the United States following a glittering playing career where he was England's best player for a generation.

In a statement, he thanked the club for giving him the job in May, declaring that Argyle would always have a 'special place in my heart' and he and the fans would have 'memories that we will share forever'.

He said: 'I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.

'Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.

'To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.

'I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help and support.

'Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.'