The Daily Star has revealed that Everton DID make a January bid for Wayne Rooney.
Despite intense speculation that he was on his way to China the Manchester United striker announced that he was staying on at Old Trafford.
United seemed happy to encourage interest from China but with two years left on his contract Rooney will have the major say in where his future lies.
Everton wouldn’t be able to match the £55m fee that United were expecting from the sale of Rooney but a transfer back to Goodison would take a £300,000 burden out of United’s weekly wage bill.
It seems that continuing his international career was the major factor in Rooney’s decision to turn down the move but with his Manchester United place in doubt the 31-year-old will find his England place under threat.
A move to Everton should guarantee first team football and the chance to gain the seven caps needed to overtake Peter Shilton as England’s record cap holder.
With Everton declaring their interest Rooney could be in line for an emotional return to Goodison Park in the summer.