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Wayne Rooney says he has turned down an opportunity to speak to Everton about their managerial vacancy.
The Derby County manager confirmed on Friday that his former club Everton had contacted his agent to find out if he was interested in the role at Goodison Park.
But Rooney rejected the approach and says he is fully focused on his role at Pride Park.
“Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job,” Rooney said.
“But I turned it down. I believe I will be a Premier League manager and I am ready for that 100 per cent.
“But I have a job at Derby, which is important to me.”
Rooney began his playing career with Everton and would score 17 goals in 77 appearances for the club before moving to Manchester United in 2004.
He would later return to Goodison Park for a single season in 2017-18 before moving on for spells at DC United and Derby, where he made his transition into management.
Rooney has impressed during his time in charge of the Championship club and has given them a slim chance of avoiding relegation this season, despite a 21-point deduction.
Everton have been without a manager since sacking Rafael Benitez earlier this month.
Another ex-Derby manager, Frank Lampard, and former Porto boss Vitor Pereira are the two front runners to replace Benitez at Goodison Park.
Pereira was thought to be club owner Farhad Moshiri's preferred choice for the role but Everton fans have reacted angrily to his potential appointment.
Graffiti reading 'Pereira out, Lampard in' daubed on a wall at Goodison Park earlier this week, while a group of Everton supporters have also protested against the direction of the club under Moshiri.
Asked whether he was hurt by the criticism, Pereira told Sky Sports News: "Of course. This is the first time in my career I've seen these types of things.
“I've never had these kind of comments about me. My CV speaks for itself."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Everton, Wayne Rooney, Football, Premier League, Transfers, Derby County, EFL Championship
Rory O'Callaghan