Wayne Rooney is continuing talks with Everton and D.C. United over his future, with sources telling ESPN FC that discussions are progressing with all parties and options remain open.
Rooney and D.C. United have been in talks for over a month as the MLS club attempt to persuade the former Manchester United and England captain to move to the United States.
The 32-year-old met with senior figures of the Washington-based franchise last month and a deal has reportedly been agreed in principle with the club, who are currently lying at the foot of the Eastern Conference.
But with 12 months still to run on his contract at Goodison Park, and the option of a third year, there remains a possibility that Rooney will stay with Everton.
New manager Marco Silva stopped short of clarifying Rooney’s situation when he was unveiled as Sam Allardyce’s successor earlier this week, with the former Hull City and Watford coach insisting that the player’s future lay in his hands.
“In the next few days we will talk with Wayne Rooney because he is a club legend and we need to understand everything,” Silva said. “The door is open every time for him. We will talk with him, but it is Wayne’s decision.”
Rooney is not due to return to preseason training at Everton until the beginning of July — the same time as the re-opening of MLS’ transfer window.
Having scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Everton last season, Rooney ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer and sources said that both parties are open to the player remaining at Goodison next season.
Rooney and his advisors are still in discussions with both clubs, however, with the player in no rush to make a decision on his future.
Mark Ogden is a senior football writer for ESPN FC. Follow him @MarkOgden_
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