Huyton-born Joey Barton believes Manchester United attacker Wayne Rooney would be a great signing for Everton.
The Toffees have been heavily linked with re-signing the 31-year-old this week following a report from TalkSPORT claiming club chiefs were confident of bringing the England international back to Goodison Park.
Ronald Koeman has already been busy in his third transfer window at the club, bringing in the likes of Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Henry Onyekuru and Sandro Ramirez.
Now, Rooney could be the next to follow through the doors and Barton has told that he believes it can be a great deal for both parties both on and off the field.
“I think it is a phenomenal move for both parties,” told Barton speaking on TalkSPORT on Wednesday.
“Obviously Wayne is an Evertonian and from Everton’s perspective even if he doesn’t reach the heights as a footballer as he once has, it is a great marketing exercise. He is great for Everton’s brand and it will be good for Rooney’s brand.
“Hopefully he goes back and does the business and there is a lot of young players around that Everton squad that could benefit from Wayne Rooney’s experience and knowhow.
“It is a great move for both parties and hopefully it comes off.”
Rooney broke through the Everton youth ranks and made his senior debut in August 2002 in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham aged just 17.
He soon became a standout star for both the club and England and after 15 goals in 71 appearances for the Toffees he moved to Manchester United in the summer of 2004 in a £25.6million deal.
The forward has since became one of the game’s biggest stars, winning five Premier League titles and three League Cups alongside single FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League medals.
Rooney has also been capped 119 times for England and is the current highest ever scorer for the Three Lions with 53 strikes, while he also boasts a prolific record in the Premier League with 198 goals in 460 top-flight appearances.
He did however make just 25 Premier League appearances for Manchester United under Jose Mourinho last season, scoring five goals and a sensational return to Everton after 13 years away could now be on the cards.