Everton complete Rooney signing

Everton have re-signed Wayne Rooney from Manchester United on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee. Rooney is returning to Goodison Park having burst onto the Premier League scene with the Toffees between 2002 and 2004 as a teenager.

His Everton and England exploits earned him a big move to Old Trafford where he went on to become his club and country’s all-time leading goalscorer.

United manager Jose Mourinho said: “It is no secret that I have long been an admirer of Wayne; he has been a model professional throughout his time at the club and will remain in the history books for many years to come.

“It is never easy to see a great player playing less football than he would like and I could not stand in his way when he asked to go back to Everton. His experience, focus and determination will be missed and I wish him well for the future.”

Rooney’s departure to Merseyside will see United conclude a deal for Romelu Lukaku as the Belgian heads in the other direction.

Lukaku has already completed a medical and will join the Red Devils for an initial fee of £75million despite a counter offer from his old club Chelsea.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman will be sad to see Lukaku go but is delighted to have secured the services of Rooney as a replacement for the big forward.

Koeman added: “Wayne has shown me that ambition that we need and that winning mentality – he knows how to win titles and I’m really happy he’s decided to come home. He loves Everton and he was desperate to come back. He is still only 31 and I don’t have any doubts about his qualities. It’s fantastic he’s here.”