Everton boss Ronald Koeman reiterates desire to lure Manchester United star Wayne Rooney back to Goodison Park
Red Devils captain has fallen down the pecking order this season as Toffees line up sensational swoop
EVERTON manager Ronald Koeman has added further speculation surrounding the career of Wayne Rooney confirming he would love to bring him to Goodsion Park.
After the Toffees resoundingly beat West Ham 2-0 on Super Sunday, the Dutchman reiterated his desire to sign the England skipper if the opportunity should arise.
Rooney has been out of favour this season at Manchester United, and has struggled to make an impact under new boss Jose Mourinho.
The Red Devils captain has failed to start a Premier League game since September 18, with summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the impressive Marcus Rashford keeping him waiting in the wings.
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However, even though the Portuguese boss recently stated Rooney would be staying at the Theatre of Dreams, Koeman is quietly confident of the deal.
He told Sky Sports: "I don't know - we can hope.
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"If it maybe happens in the future, I don't know. But if I get the question then of course.
"I respect the decision of Manchester United, the player and the club but of course Rooney is still very welcome at Everton."
This comes after current Everton players Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka declaring they would love to see England's record goalscorer back in Merseyside.
Jagielka said: "He is an Evertonian and I’m sure the fans would take to him.
"Maybe a fresh start somewhere would help him or maybe he’s a game away from being a hero again. It’s a difficult one."
Rooney is without question having his worst spell for his side, never has he been constantly frozen out the starting 11, and the 31-year-old is without a goal since the opening game of the season against Bournemouth.
It's a run that has stretched to 12 games, where United have dropped down into eighth spot.
Rooney spent two seasons at Everton between 2002-2004, during which he became the club's and the Premier League's youngest ever goal scorer.
In 77 appearances he found the back of the net 17 times, and was a firm fan favourite before making the switch when he was just 18 years old.
Everton have been in fine form this season, occupying sixth spot on 18 points.