Manchester United boss David Moyes has attempted to calm Wayne Rooney from across the other side of the world as the striker ponders his future at Old Trafford.

The Mirror says Moyes, however, has failed to pacify the England striker and Chelsea are now poised to return with a new £25million bid for the ­striker.

Moyes called Rooney last week to assure him that he doesn't regard him as solely an understudy to Robin van Persie.

But the United boss would NOT give the 26-year-old guarantees that he will play in his favoured role as a central striker.

A United insider said: "The manager has spoken to Wayne on the phone and told him he does not see him as Van Persie's ­understudy.

"But Wayne wants ­assurances that he will play in his favourite ­position - and that was something the manager couldn't give.

"The impasse between player and manager hasn't been resolved, but they are still talking."