Soccer: Chelsea likely to bid for Rooney in an attempt to unsettle him

Manchester United expect Chelsea to increase efforts to unsettle Wayne Rooney by lodging a third bid for the forward within 48 hours.

But despite the anticipation within Old Trafford of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho sanctioning another attempt to lure Rooney to Stamford Bridge in the build-up to Tuesday's Premier League clash between the two clubs in Manchester, United remain steadfast in their determination to reject any further offer for the 27-year-old.

United manager David Moyes and chief executive Ed Woodward, backed by the club's American owners, the Glazer family, have insisted throughout the northern summer that Rooney will not be allowed to leave.

Woodward has communicated United's position to senior figures at Chelsea, but with the two clubs meeting at Old Trafford on Tuesday, there is a belief that Mourinho will authorise another bid for the transfer-seeking player in an effort to affect United's preparations and undermine Rooney's focus ahead of the game.

Chelsea have failed with bids of £20 million ($39.8 million) and £30 million for Rooney, with the London club's second offer being lodged, and rejected, two weeks ago. United's refusal to consider the bids has led Mourinho to admit that he is now considering a "plan B and plan C", one of which is understood to be Anzhi Makhachkala forward Samuel Eto'o, should Rooney remain beyond his club's reach.

However, with Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye being left out of his club's fixture against Manchester City on Tuesday because of the "distraction" of Arsenal's £10 million bid in the hours before the game, United are bracing themselves for the prospect of Chelsea attempting to similarly destabilise Rooney.

Having restored Rooney to United duty with a substitute appearance against Swansea last Sunday, Moyes is understood to have no concerns about the England forward's ability to play against Chelsea.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, and conspicuous refusal to dismiss speculation about his determination to leave, Rooney received a positive reception from travelling supporters at the Liberty Stadium, with many also chanting his name. The former Everton forward had been concerned over his likely reception from fans after claims by Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season that Rooney had asked to leave.

But the absence of hostility from United's supporters at Swansea has taken away the prospect of Rooney citing negativity from the terraces as a reason for leaving.

Rooney's discontent at Old Trafford centres on the breakdown of his relationship with Ferguson. He enjoys a healthy relationship with Moyes and has no problem with the new manager, but Ferguson's ongoing presence at the club as a director has led the player to believe that the 71-year-old will continue to have a powerful voice and influence at Old Trafford.

With United insisting both publicly and privately that they have no intention of selling Rooney, efforts are now being focused on adding to the squad before the September 2 transfer deadline.

Moyes is prepared to make a renewed attempt to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, potentially offering £40 million for the former Arsenal captain, and United are also ready to increase their offer to Everton for midfielder Marouane Fellaini and left-back Leighton Baines.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has dismissed United's pursuit of the two players as a "waste of time", with the Goodison Park club describing last week's bid of £28 million, plus £2 million in add-ons, as "derisory and insulting". However, United are set to make a second offer of £35 million for the players in an effort to break Everton's resolve.

Meanwhile, United defender Rio Ferdinand says Tuesday's clash against Chelsea is no bigger than their encounters with neighbours Manchester City and Liverpool.

"We don't take the Chelsea game any more seriously than those against our closest rivals like Liverpool and City," Ferdinand said. "The feeling that you get when you beat them is still probably the biggest in the season."