Everton boss Ronald Koeman has publicly stated his desire to bring Wayne Rooney back to his boyhood club in a sensational move, The Sun reports.

What's the word?

When a young Wayne Rooney broke onto the scene in the early-2000's, it was clear Everton had a real gem on their hands. Unfortunately, after starring for England at Euro 2004, the Toffees lost his services to Manchester United.

Across the North West with the Red Devils, Rooney has won everything he could possibly get his hands on at club level and has also set records for Manchester United and England's national team; standing at all-time top-scorer for both.

However, his years at Old Trafford seem to be coming to an end and an exit has been highly discussed in the past few months, with China touted as a likely destination, but Koeman wants to keep Rooney in England.

What was said?

Quoted by The Sun, Koeman revealed his desire to bring Rooney back to Goodison Park by saying:

"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. 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 player 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."

Would Rooney consider a move?

Returning to Everton would be a fairytale end to Wayne Rooney's career but, after spending his entire career in the Premier League, he could seek a new challenge. However, he'll be aware that if he goes to China he'll be going on his own- as his family would remain in England.

The national team may also play on Rooney's mind as he reiterated his desire last year to play at the 2018 World Cup before announcing his international retirement. If he was to move to China, then his chances in Gareth Southgate's set-up would be restricted.

For Everton though, the difficult may be persuading Manchester United into a sale. The Red Devils know Rooney is still capable and would not want to be punished by their former captain if he was to leave, so they'd demand a fee. If Rooney was to go abroad, then the price could be waived as a thank you to Rooney's years of dedicated service.

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