Wayne Rooney Makes Interesting Statement on Potential Return to Everton as Coach

• Rooney is among the names linked with the Everton job
• The former Manchester United striker made his professional debut with Everton aged 16 and returned to the club briefly in 2017
• Despite the links, Rooney says he has not been approached by Everton formally for the job

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says he is ‘flattered’ by rumours linking him to the Everton head coach role, but insists no formal contact has been made from the Merseyside club.

Rooney, currently in charge of the financially-stricken Derby County, is among some of the names being tossed around the rumour mill as far as Rafa Benitez’s replacement at Goodison Park is concerned.

The 36-year old understands why his name is being linked to the Everton job as it is the club that helped him grow into a world-class player.

He joined Everton as a nine-year-old and went on to make his professional debut at the club aged only 16.

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"Of course, Everton is a club I grew up supporting," Rooney said.

"I'm flattered to get brought up in those conversations, but I know Everton know that to have any communication with me they have to go through the [Derby County] administrators."

He has been impressive as Derby County boss as he has somehow given the Rams a chance at surviving relegation despite a 21-point reduction.

Derby were docked points for entering administration and breaching financial regulations.

"They haven't come calling to the administrators, so I'm not letting anything distract me from the job I'm doing here. I understand the questions have to be asked, but there has been no communication [from Everton] with the administrators, so I can't say much more on the matter."

Despite the setback, the club has gone on an impressive run of form and are now only eight points from safety with a large chunk of the season to go.

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Aside from Rooney, former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and former Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro have also been linked with the job.

For now, it is club superfan Duncan Ferguson who is in charge on interim basis and he will oversee the clash against Aston Villa on Saturday, January 22.