Wayne Rooney would be welcomed back to Everton by Ronald Koeman should he have interest.

With Rooney being dropped to Manchester United's bench, there has been talk about him leaving the club.

Rooney left Everton for United in 2004.

“I do not know how his situation is and I need to respect that situation. That’s not my problem. But even when we get one time the possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I’m very pleased.”

When then asked if he was surprised by some of the criticism Rooney has had, Koeman added: “That is part of football. He is enough of an experienced person in football that he knows what can happen and everybody gets periods of critics.

“It is part of football and of the business and you need to stay calm. That is the best thing you can do.”