Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton ‘could be BLOCKED by Farhad Moshiri’ as the Toffees owner remains unconvinced over the Derby boss’s credentials… leaving the board split
- Everton continue their search for a new manager after Rafa Benitez’s dismissal
- Chairman Bill Kenwright reportedly wants to bring Wayne Rooney back
- But owner Farhad Moshiri is said to have his doubts over the Derby manager
- Rooney has claimed he was flattered to be linked to the vacancy at Goodison
The Everton board are said to be split over offering Wayne Rooney the position in the hotseat at Goodison Park.
The Toffees are continuing their search for Rafa Benitez’s replacement after the club sacked the Spanish manager last week following a 2-1 defeat by Norwich.
Chairman Bill Kenwright is believed to want to bring former Everton hero Rooney back to Merseyside but owner Farhad Moshiri has his doubts, according to The Sun.
The Everton board are reportedly split over offering Wayne Rooney the manager’s job
The 36-year-old has been linked with the role following Rafael Benitez’s dismissal last week
The report claims that the Blues chief could block the move to appoint the 36-year-old as he remains unconvinced over his credentials.
Rooney has been in charge of in-crisis Derby for just over a year, battling to keep the Rams up after his side were handed a 21-point deduction for going into administration.
The former Toffees striker has been linked with the job following Benitez’s dismissal.
But Moshiri is believed to be wary of the Rams boss’s lack of experience as the club look to bring in a manager to steady the ship.
Bill Kenwright (left) reportedly wants to bring Rooney back to Goodison but Farhad Moshiri (right) has his doubts over the Rams boss’s credentials
Rooney has not distanced himself from the role, however, despite insisting his focus in on Derby’s survival battle.
‘I was brought up as an Everton supporter and I am flattered to be brought up in these conversations,’ he said.
‘Everton know that to have any communication with me they need to contact the administrators.
‘I see the speculation. I know everyone loves a good fairytale but there has been no approach.
Rooney’s stock has risen after keeping the Rams in contention for survival in the Championship despite being docked 21 points for entering administration
‘My focus is solely on Derby County.’
Meanwhile, caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson insisted he was the ‘best man’ for the job.
‘There will be many, many managers who are qualified to manage Everton,’ said Ferguson. ‘They will have more trophies, experience and things like that.
‘But right now – because we have lost a manager such a short period of time ago – right now I would probably be the best man to take it on.’
Ferguson will be looking to stop the rot when the Toffees welcome Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa in league action later today.