Kai Rooney has been offered a new bumper deal from Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
The 16-year-old - son of United legend Wayne - has been part of the club’s academy since 2020 and has been heralded as a potential future star.
Kai Rooney in action for Manchester United's academy
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Kai Rooney could commit his immediate future to United after being offered a new dealCredit: Manchester United via Getty
Kai is one of 14 teens to be offered new deals by Manchester United in the hope of becoming future Old Trafford stars.
However, Kai knows his emergence comes with the added pressure of following in the footsteps of his father who remains Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer.
But he isn’t facing that challenge alone, with Jacey Carrick - son of United interim boss Michael - also among those to be offered a new deal.
Former United heroes Wayne and Michael were in attendance for an FA Youth Cup clash last month which saw Kai make his Old Trafford debut for the under-18s.
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It comes after a string of fine performances in the academy that left coaches impressed.
Roo beauty
His output has now been rewarded with a formal one-year scholarship at the club.
Kai, who finished school this summer, will see his contract switch to a three-year deal upon completion of the scholarship.
And that would see the teenage star earn a tidy £50,000-a-year with an annual signing-on fee.
As it stands, the Rooney’s are yet to agree to the deal offered by Manchester United.
A source told The Sun: “The group is very strong and the majority of the boys including Kai and Jacey have been offered deals.
Wayne Rooney with son Kai during his testimonial in 2016
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Kai has gone from walking on the Old Trafford pitch with his dad to playing on it in front of himCredit: Getty
Kai Rooney in Manchester United action at Old Trafford
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The youngster was able to get his first taste of Old Trafford last month in an FA Youth Cup tieCredit: Getty
“It means when they finish school they can go into full-time ‘football employment’ and then when they turn 17 are guaranteed a pro status.
“They still have a long way to go to make the grade, but they can be very proud that the club thinks they have a chance of making it.”
It is understood that Kai and Jacey received their deal prior to Carrick’s recent appointment as interim boss at Old Trafford.
The families of the 14 prospects have until July to decide whether they are to sign the deals or move on to another club.
Last month, Wayne spoke of his pride at seeing his son emulate him by running out at the Theatre of Dreams.
Kai was introduced as an extra-time substitute in the FA Youth Cup victory over Derby County.
Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick watching an FA Youth Cup tie at Old Trafford
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Rooney was sat alongside Carrick as Kai made his Old Trafford debutCredit: Getty
Wayne's pride
Discussing the moment on his BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said: “Kai got moved up to the under-18s squad for the Youth Cup and it was great to see him come on.
“It brought back memories of when I played in the Youth Cup for Everton. It was a proud moment and I’m delighted for him.
“Hopefully he continues that and he can have a good run with the team.”
Wayne etched his name into United folklore during an unforgettable 13-year spell at the club.
He went on to score 253 goals for the club after moving to Old Trafford from Everton in 2004.
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Wayne went on to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League and the two domestic cup competitions during his time in Manchester.
He is England’s second-most capped player of all time, behind Peter Shilton and the Three Lions’ second-highest goalscorer having been overtaken by Harry Kane in March 2023.