Wayne Rooney has dismissed speculation that he could replace Rafael Benitez as manager of Everton.
Reports this week suggested Everton had contacted their former forward regarding the position, with the pressure mounting on Benitez following a difficult start to the campaign.
Everton are 14th in the Premier League at present, but earned a creditable 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Thursday despite the absences of several senior players at Stamford Bridge.
Rooney is currently in charge of Championship side Derby County, where his fight to keep the cash-strapped Rams in the second tier has been impacted by a 21-point deduction this season after entering administration.
The 36-year-old has dismissed suggestions he could quit the second tier side and move to Everton, however, reiterating his commitment to Derby and insisting he has had no communication with his former side.
“I obviously came up through Everton’s academy and am an Everton fan. I see the reports but I’ve had no communication with Everton,” Rooney told BBC Radio Derby.
“As far as I’m aware, they’ve got a manager in place, so for me to discuss anything like that, it’s not my place to do that – and as I’ve said, I’m committed to this club.”
Rooney also discussed comparisons with former England teammate Frank Lampard, who spent a season in charge of Derby before being appointed as manager of Chelsea in 2019.
Rooney believes that speculation over his future is a credit to the performance of his staff at Derby and says he has had no thoughts about leaving for Everton and the Premier League.
“It’s a credit to the staff who work extremely hard that you get linked with jobs, but that’s all it is, you get linked.
“As I say, I’ve had no conversations with Everton football club regarding the manager’s job so it’s not even something I’m thinking about.”
