A report in the News of the World this morning claims Manchester United are to offer Wayne Rooney a new deal that will make him "the highest-paid player in Premier League history and the face of Manchester United for the next decade."

Neil Ashton writes: "United chiefs will offer him an astonishing £170,000-a-week contract when negotiations open next February. And that will include a £45,000-a-week image rights deal to become Old Trafford's poster boy."

Ashton adds: "Considerable work has already been done on the deal behind the scenes but no talks can take place until January when the ban on Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford is lifted. The deal will include a a major image rights element which overshadows United's previous highest agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo."

United are eager to tie up Rooney with Barcelona reportedly interested, the Premier League champions would also like to secure Rooney’s new contract before the start of the World Cup.

So far this season Rooney has scored seven goals in 15 matches in the Premier League and Champions League. The 24-year-old striker has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of season 2011/2012.