Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton is ‘almost inevitable’

Everton are reportedly confident of re-signing England international forward Wayne Rooney this summer, according to talkSPORT.

The Premier League side, who finished seventh in the English top-flight in 2016-17, have been heavily linked with luring the out-of-favour Manchester United striker back to Goodison Park ahead of the forthcoming 2017-18 campaign.

The 31-year-old, who captains England and has 119 international caps for The Three Lions, scored just eight goals and provided 10 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions for The Red Devils last season – who lifted the EFL Cup and UEFA Europa League respectively.

Rooney returned to Everton for Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial in 2015.

Rooney, who began his career with The Toffees before sealing a move to Old Trafford in a deal worth up to £27m back in August 2004, has netted 253 times for the club – becoming United’s all-time leading goalscorer.

However, he is thought to be considering his future at The Theatre of Dreams this summer having fallen out-of-favour under manager Jose Mourinho, despite winning five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League with The Red Devils.

Furthermore, the report suggests that it is ‘almost inevitable’ Rooney will return to Everton before the close of the 2017 summer transfer window.