Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has urged Wayne Rooney to make the switch to China, where he is coaching Shanghai SIPG.

The 30-year-old striker has been linked with a big-money move to Asia and Sven thinks Rooney would be a huge hit.

He told The Sun: "We already have famous players, like Robinho, Asamoah Gyan and Demba Ba, and they have brought something special.

“But of course Rooney is at another level."

**MANCHESTER UNITED'S BEST SIGNINGS**

Elsewhere, Manchester United's efforts to lure Sadio Mane away from Southampton in January are likely to be unsuccessful.

The dynamic forward is wanted by United boss Louis van Gaal, but he will have to wait until the summer to land his man, according to the Daily Mail.

That's because the Saints are determined to keep hold of Mane until at least the end of the season.

EASTERN AMBITION: Rooney has been urged to move to China

Elsewhere, injury-hit Arsenal are apparently considering a move for Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi.

The 22-year-old forward is among the hottest prospects in Italian football and Arsene Wenger is contemplating a bid.

With a host of first-team regulars currently on the sidelines, the Arsenal boss may be tempted to reignite his interest in the forward, having failed to land him in the summer, Tuttosport reports.

ON THE MOVE: Mauro Icardi linked to Arsenal

Meanwhile, Liverpool are locked in a three-way battle to land Lille attacker Sofiane Boufal.

The Frenchman is also being tracked by Tottenham and Paris St-Germain.

And France Football claims he is open to a move away from Lille, having fallen out with some of his teammates.