[Uncle Peter]

Can't help but suspect that there is an element of mutual intent here. Rooney would stand to make a bigger wedge if he ran down his contract and left on a Bosman, I'm sure his agent would be trying to push him in this direction although the club would be shrewd enough to see through any attempt to do this. If he's intent on leaving then the club need to recoup a fee, part of which will undoubtedly go towards servicing debt so I guess the January window is an ideal time while there's still some value in his contract.