Macclesfield's John Rooney in Portland Timbers trial

Rooney scored four goals in 46 games for Macclesfield

Portland Timbers have taken Macclesfield striker John Rooney on trial as he looks to gain a place in the Major League Soccer draft system.

The 19-year-old, who is out of contract at the Moss Rose, had been on trial with Seattle Sounders.

Town boss Gary Simpson told BBC Radio Manchester: "It's not anything I've had to do with. I made him an offer and I haven't heard from him personally.

"His agent has contacted the chairman and they sorted it out."

Macclesfield made Rooney a contract offer in the summer but he has since turned that down in search of a new club.

And Simpson has seemingly ruled out a return for the brother of Manchester United striker Wayne: "To be honest I was under the illusion he wasn't coming back so I looked elsewhere. There's no budget left."

Last season Rooney had a trial at Derby and also spent a week training with Huddersfield but both clubs opted against offering Rooney a deal.