Everton tipped to appoint ‘amazing’ Rooney after journalist’s update
Everton “can’t ignore” the credentials of Wayne Rooney as they search for a new manager, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 36-year-old has produced some “amazing results” at Derby despite difficult circumstances.
According to The Telegraph (18 January), Rooney is part of a four-man shortlist and is “expected” to be interviewed as Everton search for a new manager in the wake of Rafa Benitez’s sacking.
The report claims Frank Lampard is also set for an interview with two other unnamed managers also in the running.
Whelan tipped Rooney to “organise and fire up” the lacklustre Everton stars if he were to get the nod.
“It’s difficult to know whether he’s ready,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We never thought Steven Gerrard would be ready to go to Rangers. However, he managed to build a very good side.
“I think Wayne has had it a lot tougher at Derby.
“He’s managing to produce some amazing results at that club despite the fact that they’re on the verge of going under.
“I think he’s someone who they should look at, absolutely. He can really organise and fire up those players and get them to show a bit of fight – and that’s something they’ve really lacked recently.
“You certainly can’t ignore him for this job, I think he could be appointed now – maybe he could handle the pressure at Everton.”
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 January) that Everton have yet to make contact with Rooney about the vacancy.
The former Toffees striker has brought Derby to within eight points of Championship safety despite a 22-point deduction brought on by the club’s perilous financial situation.
In other news, a pundit is ‘amazed’ by what the Everton board did before Benitez was sacked.