Everton director Marcel Brands: 'Wayne Rooney always welcome back if he leaves'

Sporting director Marcel Brands has promised Wayne Rooney that he will be welcome back at Everton should he opt to see out his playing career elsewhere.

New Toffees boss Marco Silva has confirmed that the 32-year-old has held talks with American side DC United over a transfer, worth a reported £3.8m a year in wages.

Rooney is still weighing up whether to depart boyhood club Everton for a second time, a year after rejoining from Manchester United, but either way Brands insists that the Englishman will have a job on Merseyside beyond his playing days.

"There is a possibility he will leave," he told reporters at Silva's unveiling on Monday. "He is in talks with DC, that is not a secret. We will also talk with him.

"If he wants to make the move, then I can only say I hope he returns to Everton when he finishes in the MLS because he's a legend of the club. I always did that at PSV. I will continue to do it here, to use the legends at the club."

Brands echoed the thoughts of Silva, who claims that Rooney himself will have the final say on his future.