Veteran Forward Nears Goodison Exit as MLS Outfit Move Closer to Securing Major Signing
Wayne Rooney is on the verge of leaving Everton for the second time as his move to DC United nears completion.
BBC Sport has reported that the 32-year-old is all but set to leave Goodison Park, although no official announcement is imminent.
Rooney only rejoined his boyhood club last summer after he was granted a transfer back down the M62 from Manchester United.
But, with new manager Marco Silva deeming him surplus to requirements, Rooney will try his hand across the Atlantic Ocean.
Rooney bagged 12 goals in all competitions for Everton last season to finish the campaign as their top goalscorer.
However, the forward failed to find the back of the net after the 1-0 win over Newcastle United in December as his form dipped.
Rooney has been in talks with DC United about a switch to Major League Soccer for over a month and seems certain to leave L4 in the next week or two.
He is already believed to have agreed a two-year deal with his new potential employers but cannot complete his transfer until the secondary window opens on 10th July.
A spokesman for Rooney told reporters that “talks are progressing” on the move but it won’t be a surprise to see it go through soon.
Rooney had returned to Goodison to much fanfare 12 months ago and some Evertonians will be desperately sad to see the biggest talent for 20 years leave once more.
Rooney, though, doesn’t appear to have the stamina or legs to play continuously at the highest level of the game.
He was substituted on 22 occasions last term – one such removal from the field of play in March’s Merseyside derby leading to a spat with ex-boss Sam Allardyce on the touchline.
Rooney would become the second major casualty of Silva’s and director of football Marcel Brands’ first-team squad culling.
Ramiro Funes Mori has already departed for La Liga side Villarreal, and the likes of Ashley Williams and Yannick Bolasie may follow suit.
Next: Toffees Linked With Huddersfield Star Mooy
It’s a shame that Rooney’s return hasn’t worked out but, with his reported £150,000-a-week wages, it’s best for all parties to get that salary off the books.