WE’LL BE IN BLUE HEAVEN IF ROSS STAYS

WAYNE ROONEY would love Ross Barkley to stay at Everton and play a major part in the revolution under boss Ronald Koeman.

The Dutch master has splashed out almost £100million as he looks to build a squad capable of breaking into the Premier League’s top six and beyond.

But he has played hardball with Barkley, 23, and issued an ultimatum at the end of last season that he must sign a new deal or be sold.

Barkley, so far, has not responded and he did not travel to Tanzania when Everton’s pre-season schedule began, instead staying at home to continue treatment for a groin injury.

When he is fit, though, new signing Rooney believes the midfielder can help bring back the glory days to Goodison.

Rooney said: “With the ability that Ross has got, of course we all want him to be a part of what we are trying to achieve.

“He can help us get better. But the decision about his future is down to him.

“I’m sure he’ll speak to the manager and do what’s right for him.”

The pair followed in a similar route into Goodison – Rooney joined the club at nine and Barkley at 11.

But while Rooney, now 31, developed and blossomed and later moved to Manchester United, Barkley has yet to perform at a consistently high level in a blue shirt.

Rooney, who scored a wondergoal on his Everton return against Gor Mahia last week, remains enthusiastic about the game and said: “I still play in the streets but it’s more difficult now.

“When I was younger, we played in the streets whenever we had a ball.

“But society and the culture have changed now for young kids and it doesn’t happen so much, if it all.”

Former United skipper Rooney cannot wait to get going back in the Premier League but he will not be demanding the armband when the season kicks off.

Rooney said: “No, Phil Jagielka is the captain and I fully respect that. “But, of course, I’ll pass on to Jags and the other players in the dressing room all the stuff I have learned whether I have the armband

or not.”