Wayne Rooney is said to be in ‘negotiations’ with ITV for the next series of I’m A Celebrity (Picture: Pictures: ITV / Getty Images) Wayne Rooney might be taking on a new challenge, with reports that he’s set to sign up for the next series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here. The retired footballer, 40, was likely inspired by his wife, Coleen Rooney, who appeared on the ITV series in 2024 and became an absolute hit with viewers, finishing in second place behind Danny Jones. It’s said that Wayne could be the show’s biggest signing yet, and while sources haven’t revealed an exact figure, Coleen, 40, was reportedly paid a hefty £1.5million for her stint nearly two years ago. An insider told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Wayne is in advanced talks for I’m A Celebrity and if they secure him, he’ll be their biggest signing in the show’s history. ITV have been in negotiations with him for some time and are thrilled that they’ve reached this stage. ‘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.’  Coleen is reportedly backing Wayne all the way for the jungle (Picture: WireImage) Wayne found a new audience after going viral during the World Cup this summer (Picture: Getty Images) They added that Coleen is ‘backing him all the way’ and has been giving her famous husband ‘hints and tips about life in the jungle.’ Wayne was said to have been ‘proud’ of how his wife pushed herself in the jungle and now fancies his own chances.  According to the insider, Coleen will pack up and move to Australia, where the show is filmed, with the couple’s three youngest children: Klay, 13, Kit, 10, and Cass, eight. However, their eldest son, Klay, 16, might stay behind in the UK due to his commitments with Manchester United, where he has a football scholarship.  When asked about the prospect of Wayne becoming a contestant, an ITV spokesperson told the publication: ‘Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity . . . Get Me Out Of Here! are just speculation.’  If Wayne does join the upcoming series, he could be headed to the jungle alongside the likes of Jesy Nelson and Joanna Page who are also tipped to appear. Coleen narrowly missed out on being crowned queen of the jungle in 2024 (Picture: Rex Features) Since moving into football punditry following his retirement from the pitch, Wayne has become a favourite on screens and won over a new audience during the World Cup this summer. BBC viewers were loving his sometimes brutally honest comments and praised his apparent glow-up, with the sports star upgrading his wardrobe and getting a nose job. Friends close to Wayne are keen for the rest of the country to see how ‘incredibly funny’ he is and are confident he’ll be a strong addition to this year’s IAC. It was only last year that Wayne hinted at his dreams of joining the popular long-running series, and told PA at the time: ‘[I’m A Celebrity] is something I would never say no to, of course. I think I said on the aftershow when Coleen was in the jungle that was the one we’ve always watched and the one we both said if there was anything we’d do it’d be that. POLL Poll Would you like to see Wayne Rooney in the jungle? YesCheck NoCheck ‘So, you never know in the future, but I’ve got other things I’m looking at at the minute.’ Just this month, Coleen also addressed the possibility of her hubby joining the line-up and told The Guardian: ‘Wayne’s funny and laid-back. He can be a charmer, but can have a short temper. He can be impatient, waiting around for things.’ Until then, fans can enjoy seeing the family on-screen with their brand new reality series, The Real Rooneys, which will air on Disney+ from September 24.  Metro has contacted ITV for comment.