Wayne Rooney has left Everton’s training ground after having his medical ahead of his proposed free transfer from Manchester United, and the striker stopped to sign shirts on his departure.
Rooney was pictured waving as he made his way out of Finch Farm in his Land Rover with his agent Paul Stretford on Saturday evening as he prepares to seal a move back to Merseyside.
Two Toffees fans displayed shirts signed by the 31-year-old, who is set to complete an emotional return to Goodison Park, 13 years after leaving for United in a £26.5million deal.
Ivanka Trump represents US at G20 leaders’ table
He is unlikely to be part of the United party who leave for their pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday.
The deal is not connected to United’s ongoing pursuit of Everton forward Romelu Lukaku.
Rooney signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract during the 2013-14 campaign, which included the option of a further season, but the Old Trafford club have no intention of triggering that clause.
The future of the the former England captain, who started 15 Premier League games last season, has been the subject of speculation for several months.
Asked in May whether he wanted to stay at Old Trafford, he said: “Of course. I’ve been at this club for 13 years, but I want to play football.”
Rooney began his career at Goodison Park before joining United for £27m in August 2004.
Meanwhile, United have appointed former Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia as their new Under-23 manager.
Sbragia, who left the Scottish FA last month, spent three years in charge of the reserves at United from 2002.
