Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal sees Wayne Rooney's immediate future in midfield.
The Sunday Express says Van Gaal is desperate to accommodate Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Rooney into his starting line-up.
And after consulting the Reds' staff on the issue, the Holland manager is ready to play striker Rooney in central midfield during the club's pre-season tour of the United States and into the Premier League season.
It is believed Van Gaal thinks Rooney has the qualities to become a successful central midfield player, as he has a good range of passing and the ability to win the ball back.
And Van Gaal knows he must find a way of getting the best out of the Scouser, who signed a £300,000-a-week five-year contract last season to keep him out of Chelsea's clutches.
