Everton have called a complete halt to their pursuit of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, according to the Sun.
Reports on Sunday stated that the chances of Rooney making a romantic return to boyhood club Everton were fading amid doubts among the club’s hierarchy about the costs of the deal for a player at the end of his career.
The Sun have gone even further by stating that “all hope of a return” for the 31-year-old “now looks to have been dashed”.
It is stated that Goodison Park manager Ronald Koeman does not only have reservations about meeting the wage demands of Rooney, who is holding out for around half of his current £300,000-a-week salary.
But the Dutchman would also struggle to find a place in his improving side for the 119-time England international.
The 31-year-old was on the fringes of the United side this season, starting only 15 Premier League games and had to settle for a place on the substitute’s bench when manager Jose Mourinho was able to call upon his first-choice players.
Rooney has said that Everton are the only Premier League club he would leave United for, reducing his options to a move overseas.
The Sun report that the England and United record scorer is attracting interest from Chinese and MLS clubs, including LA Galaxy.