Everton told to appoint ‘available soon’ Rooney after journalist’s update – pundit
Everton should target Wayne Rooney to replace Rafael Benitez after the “ridiculous” work he has done with Derby County.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as the Toffees’ look for a new boss.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new manager after Rafael Benitez’s dismissal was confirmed on Sunday (16 January).
According to The Telegraph‘s Sam Wallace (18 January), Rooney is set to be interviewed for the job.
The ex-Toffees captain is on a four-man shortlist for the position along with Frank Lampard.
Kenny insists Rooney could be “available soon” if Derby’s current financial problems continue.
“Rooney is one of the names I would be looking at, along with Lampard,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“What he has done ridiculously well at Derby, if he keeps them up it will be one of the greatest achievements ever.
“He might not want to leave Derby because of his connection with them now.
“That being said, Derby might not be around in a few weeks time so he might be available soon.
“Whoever comes in, they need time to mould the club and to get their vision across.
“Everton can’t afford another manager who will be gone in 12 months, this has to be long-term now.”
An EFL statement on Thursday (20 January) claimed Derby will run out of funding during February.
The Rams sit 23rd in the Championship and sit eight points from safety.
In other news, a pundit is ‘amazed’ by what the Everton board did before Benitez was sacked.