Scottish champions Celtic have made it clear to Wayne Rooney’s camp that they would happily take him this summer.
However, a move back to Everton remains the favoured option for the England captain.
Rooney is set to leave Manchester United this summer, and has confirmed that he is looking for first-team football after dropping down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho this season.
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The 31-year-old has played nearly 600 games for United since joining from Everton in 2004 and is the leading goalscorer in their history, and it almost certain his last act as a United player was lifting the Europa League earlier this week.
Everton are very keen on taking him back and Rooney admits they would be the only other club he would play for in England.
“I’ve played for two Premier League clubs and they’re the only two Premier League clubs I’ll play for,” said Rooney.
“Obviously I am happy to be part of that [Europa League win] and in some way help the club win trophies, and that is the way it’s been over the last 18 months and last year.
“That is a decision I have to make now, whether I want to continue doing that or go on and play more regular football.”
Everton are very much in pole position to land Rooney, but I understand Celtic have also made it clear to his camp that there is a place for him under Brendan Rodgers if he wanted to join them.
@WayneRooney In Celtic End v Rangers few years back
Maybe a RT from man himself pic.twitter.com/L7qCVZ6jGz— Celtic Collectibles (@CollectCelticFC) February 28, 2016
Rooney is a confirmed Celtic fan, and has admitted previously he would like to play for the club – but he would have to take a huge pay cut to feature for the Glasgow giants.
Rooney is also adamant that he can still play his way back into the England squad, with the World Cup on the horizon next summer.
Gareth Southgate has left Rooney out of his latest Three Lions selection but insists that he is still in his thoughts and a full season in the Premier League could give him a chance of making the flight to Russia.
Rooney, also has offers from America and China, and whilst a move to Glasgow is understood to appeal to him more than moving abroad – a return to Everton remains the priority for the life-long Toffees fan.