CONFIRMED: Wayne Rooney leaves Everton for DC United

Wayne Rooney has completed his move from Everton to MLS side D. C. United on a two-year contract. Rooney’s move brings to an end an underwhelming 12 months back at Goodison Park after returning with so much hype and optimism last July.

The former England captain started the campaign in decent form but tailed off after Christmas, failing to score after the 3-1 win over Swansea in December.

New manager Marco Silva and Director of Football Marcel Brands are keen to trim the wage bill this summer as they look to re-shape the squad following last year’s disappointing campaign.

Rooney was reportedly keen to stay at Goodison Park and held talks with Silva but the striker was told he was not in the Portuguese’s plans, allowing the club to free up £150,000 a week in wages.

The 32-year-old has been in talks with DC United for over two months and was pictured in Belfast a few weeks ago obtaining his work permit at the US Consulate. His signing will only be official on July 10th when the MLS transfer window opens.

During that time Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, has been negotiating his early departure from the Toffees and agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal stateside, the contract guaranteed for about $13 million.

Rooney is expected to travel to the US later this week and could make his debut against Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14 - the day before the World Cup final - when DC United formally open their new new 20,000-seat Audi Field stadium.

There was some talk that a clause has been inserted in Rooney’s exit that he can return to the Toffees in a coaching capacity later down the line, but there has been no official confirmation of that as yet.