Wayne Rooney in talks over sensational return to English football | OneFootball

Just over 12 months after joining MLS franchise DC United, Wayne Rooney could be set for a shock return to English football.

According to the Telegraph, the former Manchester United, Everton and England striker is in talks to become a player-coach at Championship side Derby County.

Preliminary talks between the Rams and Rooney’s agent Paul Stretford have reportedly already taken place, with a further meeting to follow.

If it comes off, the 33-year-old would become part of Philip Cocu’s backroom staff while also being registered as a player.

Rooney still has another year left to run on his contract in Washington but England’s all-time leading goalscorer is understood to be keen to move into coaching once his playing days come to an end.

Last week, a report from The Sun also claimed that Rooney’s wife Coleen is keen on a return to the UK.

Speaking about his future recently, Rooney said: “I’m taking the steps to get my badges completed and when I finish playing I’ll see what opportunities come up.

“There’s already offers which have been made, but at the minute I’m still a player and I want to enjoy playing, and then I’ll see which offers are right when I do finish.”

A player-coach role would therefore seem like the ideal step for Rooney at this stage in his career.

The five-time Premier League champion has scored 23 times in 42 appearances since moving to DC United, having previously scored a club record 253 goals for Manchester United in between two spells at boyhood club Everton.