WAYNE ROONEY is edging closer to a sensational return to Everton as manager — but Jose Mourinho is also in the running.
Former England captain Rooney, 36, made his name as a young player at Goodison Park.
He and Mourinho are being seriously considered by Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright to replace axed Rafa Benitez.
Derby gaffer Rooney looks set to be interviewed by the pair and while Mourinho has indicated he is happy at current club Roma, a serious Everton offer could be too good to turn down.
Former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard — out of work since being sacked just under a year ago — is also in the frame.
Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as caretaker manager for a second time and will be in charge against Aston Villa.
Along with Rooney, Mourinho, Lampard and Ferguson, Brighton’s Graham Potter makes up Everton’s wishlist.
The Belgian FA are refusing to consider an approach for Roberto Martinez, who was Goodison chief from 2013 to 2016.
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Yet the return of Rooney would be hugely popular for a disillusioned fanbase who were stunned when former Liverpool boss Benitez got the job in June.
The Spaniard was sacked on Sunday after a 2-1 loss at Norwich.
Roo burst on to the scene with Everton aged 16, left in 2004 for Manchester United and returned for a season 13 years later.
He currently has a contract until the end of next season at Derby although they are facing potential liquidation in a fortnight.
Everton would still have to ask permission to speak to Rooney who it is expected would jump at the chance to manage his old club.
Mourinho, 58, is just six months into a three-year deal at Roma but the Italian club lie a lowly seventh in Serie A.
Another potential target could be former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who had a short spell at Everton as a player in the late 90s.
The club has won just once in the Premier League since September 25 and are 16th in the table, six points above the drop zone.
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