Everton may have sentimental reasons for signing Wayne Rooney, but it is not a move any top six Premier League club would make.
Wayne Rooney looks set to become Everton’s latest expensive recruit, with The Sun claiming he is close to a return to Goodison Park.
Ronald Koeman’s outfit have spent big money this summer on the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane and Davy Klaassen, but it is a move for Rooney, who broke into the Everton team in 2002, aged 16, that will tug at the heartstrings.
However, a swoop for the England captain also reinforces the gap between Everton and the Premier League’s top six.
The report claims that, while there would be no transfer fee paid to Manchester United, the Toffees are to take up Rooney’s £250,000 a week contract, surely ensuring the ageing forward would be a guaranteed starter.
And yet United are willing to let their record goal scorer and skipper leave for free, with his minutes significantly reduced last term.
Everton would be spending huge money on a player that struggled to get a game for the side that finished just one place above them last season.
Whether a sentimental move or not, deals like this show that, even with significant investment this summer, Everton still trail the elite by some distance.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
