What Derby’s Wayne Rooney has said on a potential return as Everton manager if Rafa Benitez is sacked

Wayne Rooney is doing a superb job at Derby County and is one of the favourites to take charge of Everton if they part ways with Rafa Benitez.
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Rafa Benitez faces an uncertain future as Everton manager.

The Spaniard only took the reins at Goodison Park last summer - yet has come under intense pressure.

Pressure on

The Toffees fell to a horrendous 2-1 loss at relegation-threatened Norwich City on Saturday.

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The defeat means Everton have won just one of their past 13 Premier League matches and are being clawed into a dogfight at the bottom of the table.

They sit 15th and only six points above the drop zone, with swathes of fans calling for Benitez to be axed.

Should that be the case then the search will again be on to find a new Everton manager.

Everton fans raise a banner protesting against Rafa Benitez. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty ImagesEverton fans raise a banner protesting against Rafa Benitez. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Everton fans raise a banner protesting against Rafa Benitez. Picture: Stephen Pond/Getty Images

Potential Rooney return

One name that has been tipped for the job is Wayne Rooney.

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The former striker, who came through the ranks at Goodison Park and is England's all-time top goalscorer, is carrying out a sterling job at Derby County.

The Rams are in administration and been hit with a 21-point deduction in the Championship.

There has been unrest and upheaval at Pride Park, most recently with ex-Toffees defender Phil Jagielka leaving to join Stoke over the week because of restrictions imposed by the EFL.

But if it wasn't for the deduction, Derby would be 11th in the table after beating Sheffield United 2-0 on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney celebrates during his second spell at Everton. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesWayne Rooney celebrates during his second spell at Everton. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Wayne Rooney celebrates during his second spell at Everton. Picture: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
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It's not a huge surprise that Rooney is being linked to Everton, with reports first emerging last month.

But the Blues academy graduate insisted he was firmly focused on Derby's survival bid.

“I don't think I could have missed them, to be honest,” he said.

“I obviously came up through Everton's Academy, Everton fan, but I see the reports and I have had no communication with Everton Football Club.

“As far as I am aware they have got a manager in place, so for me to discuss anything like that, it's not my place to do that.

“As I have said I am committed to this club.”