Koeman: Everton could benefit from Wayne Rooney return

Ronald Koeman wants to re-sign Wayne Rooney for Everton and believes the striker is “still playing at a high level”.

The 31-year-old striker, who was left on the bench for Manchester United’s EFL Cup win over Southampton on Sunday, has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford at the end of the season.

The England man’s agent has held talks over a move to China, but the player, who moved to United for £27million in 2004, recently claimed he was not leaving United any time soon.

Rooney though would “make Everton stronger”, according to Koeman, who has set his sights on bringing the player back to Goodison.

“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 told Sky Sports.

“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.”

Rooney spent eight years at Everton, joining as an 11-year-old in 1996, before moving to United almost 13 years ago.

He scored 17 goals in 77 games for the Toffees, before winning multiple Premier League titles and one Champions League.