Derby manager Wayne Rooney responds to Everton links

Wayne Rooney says he’s flattered by speculation linking him with the vacant manager’s job at Everton, but insists there has been no official approach and his ‘focus is solely’ on Derby.

Rafa Benitez was relieved of his duties in the wake of the Toffees’ 2-1 defeat away to Premier League strugglers Norwich and Duncan Ferguson has taken over the reins as caretaker boss at Goodison Park.

Rooney is the bookmakers’ favourite to take charge on a permanent basis, with the 36-year-old reportedly in communication with his boyhood club for some time.

Frank Lampard, Roberto Martinez, Fabio Cannavaro and Jose Mourinho have also been linked with the position in recent days, but Ferguson is expected to lead the side against Aston Villa this weekend.

Rooney – Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer – has impressed throughout his year-long spell at Derby, giving supporters realistic hopes of a miraculous survival in the Championship following a 21-point deduction in November.

Pressed on rumours of a possible return to Everton on Friday, the ex-England captain told reporters: ‘I’m the same as everyone else. I see the speculation on social media and in the newspapers.

‘Of course, Everton is the club that I grew up supporting and I’m flattered to be getting brought up in them conversations.

‘But I know Everton will know that in order for them to have any communication with me, they have to go through the administrators.’

Asked how difficult an offer from Everton would be to turn down, Rooney replied: ‘That’s all hearsay because there has been no approach.

‘My focus is solely on Derby County and on the game tomorrow.’

Everton find themselves hovering just six points above the Premier League relegation zone in 16th place after winning just one