Manchester United boss David Moyes is planning to keep England striker Wayne Rooney as a 'substitute' in the club for Robin Van Persie.
Moyes has told Rooney that he is no longer an automatic pick at the club and van Persie is his recognised first-choice striker, the Mirror reports.
Moyes' decision is considered to strengthen Rooney's resolve to seek a move away from United to a club where he can be guaranteed regular football.
According to the report, Chelsea is pushing hard for Rooney at 40 million pounds, which may hasten Rooney's exit from United.
Moyes said that if Robin van Persie was injured, Rooney could be used as a substitute, adding that the club isn't about Rooney but about the team.
He further said that the club will not offer Rooney a new contract and will access the situation next summer, the report added.