Rooney would make Everton strong - Koeman

Everton boss Ronald Koeman claims that the signing of Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney would make his team more stronger next season.

The England international was linked with a lucrative switch to the Chinese Super League before he released a statement last week confirming that he would remain at Old Trafford.

Rooney's future is likely to be decided over the summer transfer window, and the Toffees may well return for his services having missed out on a deal last month.

While speaking to Sky Sports News, Koeman talked up the potential signing of Rooney, who left the Toffees for United back in the summer of 2004.

"What happens at the end of the season? I don't know. In my opinion, he's one of the players who can make Everton more stronger than Everton is," he told Sky Sports News.

Rooney is approaching the final year of his £300,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, and United could be tempted to cash in on their marksman rather than letting on a free in 16 months' time.

The 31-year-old is United's all-time leading scorer with 250 goals after he surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's record with a brilliant free-kick last month which earned his side a point at Stoke City.