WAYNE ROONEY could be set for a shock return to English football as Birmingham eye up a move for the England legend.
The DC United boss, 37, cast doubt over his future with the MLS club earlier this week with his contract set to expire in December.
ReutersWayne Rooney could be set for a managerial job in England[/caption]
And now he could be given the perfect way out as Championship side Birmingham emerge as a possible destination for the Manchester United icon.
The Blues, part-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, have made a strong start to the season under John Eustace – who has a contract until 2025.
But The Mail understand the club are preparing for the eventuality of Eustace leaving the club.
There is no indication he will be sacked after three wins and two draws from their opening five league games.
However, he has been mooted as a possible successor to Michael Beale at Rangers should the Scottish giants choose to sack him.
Rooney last coached in England during the 2021/22 season when he took charge of crisis-stricken Derby – who were relegated despite him doing an impressive job under the circumstances.
He then took the DC United job last year – who were also struggling and finished bottom of the Eastern Conference.
They sit ninth out of 15 teams in the 2023 campaign, with Rooney recently vocalising his discontent at the situation at the club as they prepare for the final six weeks of the regular season.
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Earlier this month, he told the Washington Post: “I am slightly disappointed and frustrated there has been no contact for two months.
“We asked about a new deal. We can sit down and talk about it. We haven’t heard back.
“Either way, I can take whatever the situation is. I was hoping we would have, either way, at least spoken about it. That hasn’t been the case.
“That’s frustrating because, either way, I’d rather know what’s the plan because we have to plan for next season. We need to do it earlier rather than later.
“The fact we haven’t heard back is probably signalling one thing, but I’m sure they’ll have their reasons for that. So I’ll wait and see.”