Wayne Rooney Everton return would be welcome, says Ronald Koeman

By Michael Cantillon

Everton boss Ronald Koeman admits he would be interested in signing Wayne Rooney if he left Manchester United

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed that a return to the club for Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney would be welcome, in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News HQ.

Rooney, 31, came through the Everton academy to make his debut in 2002 at the age of just 16, going on to score his first league goal with an iconic strike against Arsenal in just his 10th Premier League appearance for the Toffees.

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The England skipper transferred to Manchester United in the summer of 2004 for £25m, and has been at Old Trafford ever since.

Image: Koeman has praised the quality of Rooney and insisted he was right to remain in the Premier League

Rooney has been linked with a return to Goodison Park in recent years and former boss David Moyes and Everton defender Phil Jagielka have said the striker would like to, something Koeman is also keen on.

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"I still think Wayne Rooney is playing at a high level and he made a good choice staying at Manchester United and in the Premier League," said Koeman.

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Image: Rooney made his debut at Everton at the age of just 16

"He still has two or three years in front of him to play at the highest level. What will happen at the end of the season, I do not know? In my opinion he's one of the players who can make Everton stronger than they are now.

"It's all about what the players likes, what Manchester United need to do and we are not involved in that project. Every player who we feel can make the team stronger is welcome at Everton."

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Image: Rooney made history this season, overtaking Sir Bobby Charlton as United's leading goalscorer

Next up for Koeman and his side is a trip to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1HD, with the club on a run of nine games unbeaten.

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