Wayne's big deal

Manchester United today reached an agreement with Everton to buy Wayne Rooney in a deal believed to be worth £25million.

The Old Trafford club released a statement to the Stock Exchange at 11am revealing the deal was subject to the England sensation passing a medical.

Rooney, 18, is recovering from a broken bone in his foot but he resumed light training last week and could be fit to make his debut for his new club against Liverpool on 20 September.

The striker had hospital tests in Manchester today before arriving at United's Carrington training complex for a full medical. The club said details of the transfer "will be announced when all terms are complete". A fee had not been confirmed, but it is believed to be around £25m, a record for a British striker, after United increased their bid over the weekend.

The main sticking point in negotiations over the transfer, which must be completed before the Premier League's 3.30pm deadline, had been over what percentage of the transfer will be directly related to United's future success.

United's proposal was to guarantee a payment of £20m spread over two seasons, with a further £5m being added should Rooney contribute to an agreed level of Premiership and Champions League success.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright sees Rooney's true value closer to £30m and held out for £20m, plus £6m based on results, and a sell-on clause of 25 per cent of the profit on any future transfer.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be under pressure to find a place for Rooney in his United starting line-up. The club have gained only five points from their first four games but Ruud van Nistelrooy is on the verge of returning to fitness and Louis Saha started his first match of the season yesterday after a knee injury.