manchester showbiz
Monday, 13th March 2006
Supermarket sweep for Wayne and Coleen?
John Scheerhout  BIG EARNERS: Wayne and ColeenThe Manchester United star and his girlfriend are in talks with supermarket giant Asda about an advertising deal reputed to be worth £3.5m. Rooney, signed by the Reds for £30m, has already secured a £5m deal with publisher Harper Collins to write a minimum of five books, the most lucrative sports book deal in history. The 20-year-old striker is due to finish the first book - on his life so far, including this year's World Cup - by the end of July. Other big-money sponsorship deals include a £1m-a-year contract with Coca-Cola and a £5m deal with Nike for the next 10 years. Meanwhile, girlfriend Coleen, who lives with Wayne at their £4m Prestbury mansion, has a blossoming modelling career and plans to write a book about life as a footballer's wife. Glamour Although Wayne and Coleen may not quite have the same glamour of former United star David Beckham and his ex-Spice Girl wife Victoria, they could still financially outstrip them in the next decade according to experts, with some reports suggesting the couple could eventually attract endorsements worth £100m. Cashmore Ellis, Professor of Culture, Media and Sport at Staffordshire University, said: "The bar is always raised when somebody new comes along because there's more and more money sloshing around football." He added that Wayne and Coleen possessed a more "blue collar" appeal than the Beckhams, but could still end up pulling in more money than the rival celebrity couple. "In terms of sheer pulling power Rooney could definitely exceed Beckham, but in a different market." What do you think? Have your say
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