OPINION
There has been intense speculation recently about whether Wayne Rooney will leave Everton and cross the Atlantic to sign for MLS side DC United, and his future seems to be hanging by a thread.
The move has not been finalised, with the BBC claiming the attacker-turned-midfielder is yet to make up his mind, and Rooney can still decide to remain at Goodison Park under Marco Silva or make the leap across the pond to play in America.
Everton now need to pull out all the stops to prevent the former England international from making the move to the States if they want to keep their prized goal scorer on Merseyside.
The Washington-based outfit are reportedly keen for the 32-year-old to make his debut on 14th July at the Audi Field Stadium, but the Liverpool-born star still has time to make a decision about his future as the transfer window does not open until 10th July in America.
Marco Silva would simply be mad to let this great go. He scored 253 goals during his 13 seasons at Manchester United – the statistics speak for themselves, but Everton need his experience and eye for goal if they are to push further up the Premier League table.
Rooney is a proved talisman and can compete amongst the giants in the league. 11 goals this season maybe was not his best record to date, but his eye for goal can be second to none. Silva will hugely appreciate this, especially as he is under pressure as his first season as boss.
The Toffees manager needs to convince Rooney that Goodison Park is the place for him next season – and that he wants him to be a firm figure in Everton’s future.
The Premier League would not be the same without him and nor would Everton. His presence as a striker in the box puts fear into any opponent they play.
Now the responsibility lays with Silva to pull out all of the stops to convince Rooney to stay – and he will be glad he made the effort to do so.