WAYNE Rooney is poised to sign up for I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here!
The former Manchester United and England star, 40, is in advanced talks to follow , who was runner-up on the ITV show in 2024.
Insiders said is keen to impress his four sons by taking on the Down Under, and would be the hit show’s biggest-ever signing.
Ultra-competitive Wayne, now a after stints at management, will also want to emulate the success of his wife , 40, who in 2024
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Wayne is in advanced talks for and if they secure him, he’ll be their biggest signing in the show’s history.
“Coleen proved to be hugely popular when she took part two years ago and bosses think Wayne is going to match her success.
“ have been in negotiations with him for some time and are thrilled that they’ve reached this stage.”
We understand that Coleen is likely to join Wayne in for support alongside their youngest three sons — Klay, 13, Kit, ten, and eight-year-old Cass.
Their eldest lad — 16-year-old earlier this summer and may remain in the UK because of his training schedule.
Wayne revealed he was a huge fan of I’m A Celebrity when his wife of 18 years starred in it two years ago.
He posted his support while she was in the jungle alongside campmates including singer and former star .
He said he was “proud” of her — and urged the public to vote for her to do a trial.
Insiders said Wayne was keen to do the show after seeing how much Coleen enjoyed it — and will be getting some helpful advice from his missus on how to cope.
The source said: “Coleen had the best time in the jungle and made friends for life.
“Wayne absolutely loved seeing her taking part and was beyond proud of how much she pushed herself.
“They had joked about him taking part after her but now he’s keen to make it work.
“Wayne wants to show their sons what their dad can do and has joked he’ll be giving Coleen a run for her money.
“He is really competitive and hates losing so will give I’m A Celebrity his all.
“It’s something Coleen thinks will be great for him too.
“She’ll be backing him all the way and has been giving him hints and tips about life in the jungle.”
Those close to Wayne said going on the -hosted show would highlight his quick wit, as seen by viewers when he at this year’s .
A friend said: “Wayne is incredibly funny. If you watched his punditry during the World Cup, he’s incredibly knowledgeable but he doesn’t mince his words.
“He went viral after saying the half-time show was crap but that’s just Wayne.
“He’s honest and hilarious at the same time. Wayne would be brilliant in the line-up.”
Fans of the star, who is Manchester United’s record goalscorer, will first get an insight into his life in his new .
, which is available to stream from Thursday, will take fans inside Wayne and Coleen’s world for the first time.
In a new joint interview, Coleen suggested Wayne had the perfect personality for the jungle, although his impatience may be a drawback.
She said: “Wayne’s funny and laid-back. He can be a charmer, but can have a short temper.”
When asked what sparks his fuse, she replied: “He can be impatient, waiting around for things.”
Wayne, who first met Coleen when they were kids, replied: “For you. When we’re getting up to go somewhere, I’m always early. If we’re getting picked up to go somewhere and we’re leaving the house at 6pm, I’ll be ready by 5.15-5.30.”
Opening up about their relationship, the pair said they rarely rowed.
Wayne said: “I can’t remember the last time. We’ve been on a good run lately, haven’t we?
“We’ve not had a row for weeks and weeks. I’m never going to win the argument.
“If I start arguing back, it will just continue, so I’m man enough to accept it — let her get it off her chest. I don’t think I’ve ever won an argument with her.”
As well as Wayne, other stars approached this year include , 49, TV presenter and former Paralympian Ade Adepitan, 53, and Kaiser Chiefs’ frontman , 48.
Ex-Little Mix singer , 35, and , 30, are also in advanced talks.
But landing Wayne would be a major coup. He shot to fame as a 16-year-old at before signing for , where his mammoth haul of trophies includes five Premier Leagues and a .
Later came a move across the Atlantic to Washington with DC United before embarking on a career in management.
There were spells at , DC United again, Birmingham and Plymouth, which he left in 2024.
He then turned to punditry, landing a role on BBC’s last summer, and was a key part of the World Cup coverage over the summer.
He also signed a big deal with the Beeb to host a podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, before his new Disney+ series with Coleen.
On Friday, he scored another contract with the corporation for a new game show, called The series, hosted by comedian Alex Brooker, will see Wayne taking on famous faces in a battle of knowledge.
He said: “Anyone who knows me knows I’m competitive.
“Every guest will turn up thinking they can beat me and, honestly, I don’t like losing.”
A spokesperson for ITV said: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.”
