Birmingham chief Cook: I tried to hire Rooney for Saudi Pro League

Birmingham City manager Wayne Rooney could have moved to the Saudi Pro League instead.

Rooney, who left DC United to join the Championship club, has revealed other interest in his services.

The 37-year-old was unveiled as the new Birmingham boss this past week.

Birmingham chief executive Garry Cook tried to lure Rooney to Saudi when he was executive president of the Saudi Pro League.

In his press conference on Thursday, Rooney stated: I felt for my development that my pathway was a different way.

That is no disrespect to any manager that has gone out there, by the way."

Rooney added on his ambition with Birmingham: We will push for promotion this year of course. With the players we brought in during the summer, it's an ambition of ours.

It's something we will certainly push for. The goal is to get the club back to the Premier League."