Rooney hot property in Europe: Eriksson

Sven-Goran Eriksson is expecting England’s teen sensation, Wayne Rooney, to become the hottest property in Europe – and admitted he would try to sign the Everton striker if he was still a club manager.

The England coach believes the list of clubs would be “very long” to land the signature of the 18-year-old should he become available.

Sources close to Everton indicate that they would want around £45million before even considering having to lose the services of the player.

That fee may have gone up again after Rooney’s two-goal blast against Switzerland put England’s bid for Euro 2004 glory back on track on Thursday night.

Eriksson is already placing Rooney on the same pedestal as other rising stars he worked with in their teens including Roberto Baggio, Rui Costa and Paulo Sousa.

He said: “Would any other clubs or countries want Wayne Rooney? I’m quite sure if you are thinking about clubs then the queue is very long.

Everton want Rooney to sign a new deal and are prepared to more than double his current £13,000-a-week salary and come up with a contract worth between £30,000 and £40,000.