Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is leaning towards a return to Everton and is willing to take a pay cut in order to complete the move, according to The Independent.

What's the story?

Everton have been linked with their former by wonder ever since it became likely that his career at Old Trafford was coming to an end.

Of course, neither the player nor United have publicly confirmed that there will be movement in the summer, but Rooney's lack of game time under Jose Mourinho suggests that a transfer could be on the cards.

On Tuesday morning, Sky Sports reported that West Ham United are interested in making a move for Rooney if he is made available in the summer.

According to The Independent, though, the man himself would prefer a return to Everton, and United may even be willing to let him leave for free.

The report adds that the Merseyside outfit are prepared to give him £150,000-a-week wages, which is believed to be half of what he currently earns at Old Trafford.

Rooney would accept the drop in salary in order to seal a return to Goodison Park, states The Independent.

Is this the best option for both parties?

In short, yes. From Rooney's point of view, he has insisted numerous times that he is still good enough to play at the top level.

Perhaps that is why a heavily rumoured switch to the Chinese Super League never came off in the winter transfer window.

Returning to Everton, where he came through the academy ranks before joining United in 2004, would complete the fairytale.

The forward grew up as a supporter of the Merseyside outfit and possibly finishing his career at Goodison after winning five Premier League titles and the Champions League at United is a fitting end to his story.

As far as United are concerned, it has been made clear by Mourinho that Rooney does not have a future at the club, so they will be happy to wish him well.

Everton are pushing towards the elite clubs in the division, but they are not a direct rival of United, which is a positive from the Red Devils' point of view.

[ad_pod id='playwire' align=‘center']