Cannavaro: Tianjin talked to Rooney, Aubameyang; focused on Kalinic now

Chinese Super League outfit Tianjin Quanjian held talks with Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to manager Fabio Cannavaro.

The former Italy international revealed that talks with Rooney did not progress to a point where a transfer bid was submitted, but revealed that an offer was made for Aubameyang, which was subsequently rejected by the Bundesliga club.

He added that deals for both players are no longer a possibility before the Chinese Super League’s transfer window shuts.

“We did make an approach for Rooney and Aubameyang,” Cannavaro told Tianjin TV, as translated by ESPNFC. “For Rooney, it was just a chat because he simply doesn’t suit our style of play. No further discussion was necessary.

“The truth is we had more frequent contact with Aubameyang. Unfortunately, our bid was rejected by Borussia Dortmund, who said he was needed in this season’s Champions League.”

Reports linking Rooney with a move to China picked up after United manager Jose Mourinho failed to guarantee the club’s all-time leading scorer had a future at the club he’s called home since 2004.

“You have to ask him,” Mourinho said ahead of United’s Europa League tie with Saint-Etienne on Tuesday, according to BBC Sport.

“Of course I can’t guarantee (he will be here). I can’t guarantee that I’m here next week, how can I guarantee that a player is here next season?”

Sky Sports News HQ reports that Rooney has been approach by various Chinese clubs – which include Guangzhou Evergrande and Beijing Guoan – but he is prepared to “snub” teams intent on completing a deal before the country’s transfer window closes next Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Aubameyang was the subject of a report in January linking him with a move to Shanghai SIPG for a world-record €150-million transfer fee and an annual salary of €41 million.

Cannavaro revealed that he is still focused on trying to sign Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic despite the Croatia international’s refusal to join Tianjin Quanjian – who have successfully negotiated transfers for Alexander Pato and Alex Witsel – when he was approached last month.

“Our prime target is still Kalinic but it’s quite difficult for his club to let him leave at the moment,” Cannavaro said.

“Under such circumstances, we are caught in a dilemma. I need to communicate with our managing director.”

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)