Confusion reigns on what Wayne Rooney would earn at Everton

Like it or lump it, the rumours of Wayne Rooney returning to Everton are gathering pace. According to some, the deal could be done by the end of the week.

Given the manner in which the Blues have been doing transfer deals this week, that would not be surprising at all.

The general consensus is that the Manchester United captain will be making the move to Goodison Park on loan, with United happy to get him off the wage bill as he enters the final two years of his current contract.

While most sources agree that it is a loan move being discussed, nobody seems to be able to agree on the terms of that deal.

The Guardian are reporting that Everton will pay all of his £250,000 per week wages next season, the Liverpool Echo say they would offer him £150,000 a week while several others claim the fee will be split between the two clubs.

So what would represent the best deal for Everton? Most would argue that it’s the latter of the three.

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Paying all of his £250,000-a-week wages would make very little sense; even now that money seems to be no object. That’s an exorbitant fee, especially for a player who is unlikely to be a regular starter at any point next season.

£150,000 would be a more agreeable figure but even then, it’s high. That would still make Rooney the highest earner at the club by some distance and, again, given he’s not likely to be a key player, it would be a high price to pay.

Knock £25,000 off of that though and the deal makes sense. Rooney would still be the highest earner but the disparity between him and others in the squad would not be as great.

Add in the money Everton could make from the likes of shirt sales, brand recognition and all the other commercial benefits that a worldwide name like Rooney brings to a club and the wages would look like a bargain.

This is likely to move forward quickly this week, given that’s how Everton works these days. If it does go through, it’ll be interesting to discover what Rooney will earn at Goodison Park.