Gary Neville believes Wayne Rooney would not hesitate to become Everton's next manager, if offered the opportunity.
The Blues are still on the lookout for a permanent Rafa Benitez replacement, having sacked the Spaniard following a 2-1 defeat at Norwich City on January 15.
Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira has emerged as the frontrunner for the position, and the ECHO understands that the 53-year-old is one of three potential candidates currently under consideration.
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Rooney is another name to have strongly been linked with the Toffees, though many have questioned whether or not he would be willing to walk out on Derby County mid-season.
Providing his view on if he would expect the former Manchester United striker to accept the Everton role if selected for the job, Neville said : "He wouldn’t ring me up to ask for advice for that because I think he would jump at the chance, obviously.
"I mean, Wayne Rooney, being asked to be Everton manager. Growing up as a fan, a kid there, going back at the end of his career - I don’t think it would take him five minutes for him to go back.
"Whether that’ll be right for him now or not, whether it would work or not, I don’t know.
"He’d have to come into the Premier League and do what Steven Gerrard is doing now. He’s got the passion, he’s got a grounding at Derby and he’s in difficult circumstances so he’s getting good experience."
Currently under contract at Derby until the summer of 2023, Everton would have to agree a compensation fee with the Rams if they decide to push ahead with a deal for the 36-year-old.
