Rooney in no hurry to pack bags and head for American league just yet

WAYNE Rooney has arrived in the United States to hold talks with DC United as he weighs up whether to cut short his Everton homecoming.

A year on from his emotional Goodison Park return, Rooney has a decision to make following a lucrative offer from the Major League Soccer side.

There is no deal in place yet, as Everton must also agree terms, but Rooney was never going to be rushed into leaving Merseyside without considering all aspects of such a move abroad.

Aside from the footballing aspect of such a switch, the former England captain will be assessing whether it is right for his young family. He left a family holiday in Barbados to tour the Washingtonbased club and see the area to which he would be relocating.

Washington does not necessarily hold the same attraction as other areas of the US, such as Los Angeles or New York. Rooney will also be receiving other offers, although, financially, there is a significant package should he join DC United.

The eagerness of the MLS side to pursue such a coveted signing has put them in pole position, though.

Everton are close to announcing Marco Silva as their new manager, but it is telling Rooney has still been given permission to speak to other clubs.

Silva is holding talks with the new director of football, Marcel Brands, and it seems only a matter of time before he is in place. Brands has vowed to appoint a “modern” manager and it would be a major surprise now if that was not Silva.

Setting out his vision for Goodison Park, Brands said confirming the successor to Sam Allardyce was his priority, and he sought a manager who “wants to work with young players”.

“The priority in the first month is the first team and to be ready for the start of the next Premier League season,” said Brands.

“The first thing is a new manager. I think it is important that he wants to work in the new philosophy, the new strategy of how we want to work with a director of football.

“I think it is important that he creates the environment for the long- term, and I think it is important that he is a modern coach. If you think about what Everton’s plans are, I think a modern coach will fit into that profile.

“His philosophy and how he wants to play is important. I think it has to be a coach who wants to work with young players.” —