Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes England captain Wayne Rooney may return to the Toffees in the future.
The 35-year-old midfielder, who is currently a free agent, told Sky Sports that he thinks the Manchester United forward would be open to a return to Goodison Park before he retires from professional football.
Rooney started his career at Everton, joining his boyhood club aged just nine, before making his first-team debut for the club in August 2002.
The 31-year-old, who is The Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer, went onto score 15 goals in 67 appearances for the Toffees, until his reported £25.6m switch to Premier League giants Manchester United back in August 2004.
Former team-mate Osman said, “It would not surprise me [if Rooney re-joined Everton].
“I think he has been mending bridges for a couple of seasons now and you know he is an Evertonian at heart.
“I am pretty sure he would love to come back and I hope it happens.”
Rooney is currently second on United’s all-time leading goalscorer list, only behind Sir Bobby Charlton.