Rooney in talks for new Everton deal

TALKS have opened between Everton and Wayne Rooney’s representatives to discuss a new five-year deal for the 18-year-old England striker.

Rooney, currently sidelined with a broken bone in his foot, saw his stock rise in Euro 2004 in Portugal, where he scored four goals.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been touted as potential suitors but as yet none has made a formal bid.

His current deal still has two years left to run but Everton are anxious to secure his long-term future.

A meeting took place yesterday between the club and the player’s team to discuss the offer on the table. However, the youngster has been told he needs to leave Everton to “better himself” by Goodison team-mate Tomasz Radzinski.

The Canadian international looks to be leaving the club after rejecting a new contract and he urged Rooney to follow him.

He said: “Wayne has shown in Euro 2004 that he can play at the top level and I think he needs to move on to further and better himself.”