Remember the name? Wayne Rooney Everton return “inevitable”

Wayne Rooney could be set for a dramatic return to Everton, 13 years after he left the club for Manchester United.

Jim White - who has close links with Farhad Moshiri - says it is “almost inevitable” that Rooney will return to Goodison Park.

Speaking on Talksport White said Rooney has spoken privately about a move to Everton and could even move back to Merseyside on loan.

Alan Myers also appeared to hint towards a Rooney return on Twitter on Monday morning.

Rooney was slowly edged out of the first-team picture at Old Trafford last season, starting just nine matches since the turn of the year.

The 31-year-old has also lost his place in the England squad, though manager Gareth Southgate insists his international career isn’t over.

Rooney was linked with a big-money move to China in January, but the striker insisted he wanted to stay at the Red Devils until at least the end of the season.

His Man United future remains uncertain though, with the striker unlikely to feature regularly next campaign.

Now it appears a move back to his boyhood club is well and truly on.

Both Ronald Koeman and Steve Walsh have previously expressed their interest in signing Rooney if he was made available.

Opinion seems divided amongst the fanbase however. Some supporters have never forgiven Rooney for the manner of his departure from the club in 2004.

The fans are also understandably concerned at Rooney’s apparent decline over the past 18 months.

He was a shadow of his former self at times last season and given Everton’s new found wealth there appears to be other options out there.

A loan deal would certainly be a more palatable option for the supporters, particularly if Rooney agrees to a significant drop in wages.

It’s unlikely to appease everyone though, with plenty of fans believing this is a move made by the heart rather than head.