Wayne Rooney makes fresh Everton manager claim after 'turning down' approach

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he still aims to manage Everton “one day”.

The ex-Blue was linked with the Everton job prior to Frank Lampard’s appointment, after impressing with his work at Derby County.

The Rams were handed a 21-point deduction following financial issues and have been placed into administration - but still remain just four points from safety under Rooney’s stewardship.

Rooney revealed last month that he “turned down” an opportunity to be interviewed for the recent vacancy at Goodison, in order to focus on his work with Derby.

However, when interviewed by Sky Sports at the premiere of his new documentary, the 36-year-old refused to rule out returning to his boyhood club in the future.

“At the minute my focus is on Derby County and us staying up but Manchester United [and] Everton are two clubs that are very close to me,” he said.

“Hopefully one day in the future, if I can manage one of those two clubs, then it’d be a great achievement for me.”

Rooney made 117 appearances for Everton throughout his career, in between a 13-year spell at Old Trafford.

England’s all-time top goalscorer said earlier this month that his close bond with the players and staff at Derby prevented him from considering a move.

The former striker initially joined up with the club in a player-coach role in January 2019, before being named in temporary charge in November 2020, then taking the job on a full-time basis two months later.

"I could see once Benitez was sacked and my name was getting linked with Everton that the staff were down and they were scared that if I left, where did that leave the club,” Rooney admitted .

"I know they have been looking to me to try and help rebuild this club.

"I spoke to the staff