WASHINGTON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Former England star and LA Galaxy captain Ashley Cole said on Thursday that he's happy to see his former England teammate Wayne Rooney join and play in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Media reported that Rooney will be in the US for talks with D.C. United as the club's bid to acquire the goalscorer from English Premier League side Everton takes a step forward.

"I think it's good," Cole said. "I think it shows the improvement of the league. Yeah, he's a little bit older, but to attract these kind of players is great for the league. I'm excited if he does come to play against him again."

Cole, 37, is in his third season as the Galaxy's left back. If Rooney makes the move, he'll be the fifth player from England's 2006 World Cup team to play in MLS. David Beckham and Steven Gerrard preceded Cole with LA, and Frank Lampard played for New York City FC.

"It's always different from the Premier League," said Cole. "We're getting older when we leave England for MLS, so he's not going to be the 18-year-old Wayne Rooney. But I think he's still got enough quality for this league."

Rooney is England's all-time goals leader, with 53, and he played in three World Cups and three European Championships before retiring from England last August. He's also the top scorer for Manchester United, with 253 in all games.