Wayne Rooney to sign for Galway United?

Wayne Rooney, Man Utd's talismanic forward, has remained tight-lipped amid growing speculation that he is to sign for Galway United in a bid to escape the pressures of life in a Mancunian goldfish bowl.

Man Utd boss Alex Ferguson revealed earlier today that he was surprised and bemused by Rooney's decision to leave Old Trafford.

A woman, who wishes to remain nameless, denied that Rooney had spent time recently at her B&B in Connemara "angling, mountain-climbing and playing the low whistle ".

Quay Street, Galway, was buzzing all afternoon with unsubstantiated claims and counter-claims that someone resembling Wayne Rooney had been seen boarding a bus for Barna.

A passer-by opined: "Where better than Galway for Wayne Rooney to escape the attentions of the media?
I know that he hasn't scored a goal from play in recent times, but Galway United could surely find a place for him."

At the time of going to press, Galway United officials were unavailable for comment.