Ronald Koeman would welcome Wayne Rooney back to Everton - but is it the right move?

There has been plenty of talk of late about the prospect of Manchester United captain Rooney leaving Old Trafford, with him having been dropped to the Red Devils' bench last month.

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On Friday, Koeman was asked how likely it might be that Rooney returns to Everton, who the 31-year-old left in 2004 to join United.

And the Toffees manager replied: "First of all, I think it is a great player, and he has still not finished his career.

"I do not know how his situation is, and I need to respect that situation. That's not my problem.

"But even when we get one time the possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I'm very pleased."

A step backwards for Rooney? Yes. But it would also be a natural one. It doesn't take a footballing genius to tell you he is past his best, but he'll remain Premier League quality for the next five years at least.

Rooney has always lived in the North West, and he'll start asking himself whether it's worth breaking the mould of a lifetime and venturing to the US or China.

Family will undoubtedly play a huge factor, and the news that Wayne's son, Kai, recently started training with United's academy indicates that a future for the Rooneys lies firmly in England.

A year or two in the MLS wouldn't do Rooney any harm, but it's not quite time for England's skipper to give up hope this side of the pond just yet.

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It would not be a sentimental move if Everton brought him back - Koeman is too astute to make a decision on that basis, but the Dutchman made it clear that Rooney's time in this league is far from over. Whether it's flattery with a purpose remains to be seen.