West Ham United already have one eye on the summer window but could comments from Everton boss Ronald Koeman rule out a move for Wayne Rooney.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho talks with Wayne Rooney
The record breaking Manchester United striker has been linked with a mega money move to China and his old club Everton with his time at Old Trafford looking set to come to an end this summer.
With West Ham on the hunt for quality attacking players in the wake of Dimitri Payet’s disappointing exit in January, Rooney has been mentioned as a possible target by hopeful Hammers fans.
Boss Slaven Bilic went on the record to say Rooney is more than good enough to continue playing in the Premier League which was seen by some as a declaration of interest in the England skipper, as reported by the Daily Star.
But any hopes Rooney could be lured to East London may have been dealt a blow by an admission from Everton boss Ronald Koeman.
That’s because the Dutchman has told Sky Sports Rooney would be welcome back at Everton next season.
The 31-year-old famously burst onto the scene with his boyhood club in 2002, making his debut at the age of just 16 and going on to score his first league goal with that unforgettable strike against Arsenal.
Speculation linking Rooney with a return to Goodison Park had little credibility, though, until Koeman said he was keen.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman with Hammers boss Slaven Bilic
“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,” Koeman told Sky Sports.
“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.”
In a straight shootout between the Hammers and Everton Rooney would undoubtedly opt for his beloved Blues.
Who wants me? Rooney
But there is sure to be plenty of interest from overseas too and it may be that Rooney would embrace a move to the bright lights of London and to play at the Olympic Stadium should he opt to remain in England.
And he would make the ideal replacement for Payet, whose departure has taken some of the sparkle from West Ham even if it has been good for team morale.
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