The Toffees are frantically searching for a successor to Rafael Benitez after the Spaniard was given the sack earlier this month after having led the squad through a long dark spell that only bore the initial first fruits when he joined at the beginning.<\/p>\n
The club are now hovering just four points above the relegation zone after 10 defeats in 13 Premier League matches.<\/p>\n
Championship side Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has flatly declined an approach from Everton\u00a0to interview for their vacant manager\u2019s position. Former Manchester United legend Rooney also enjoys club legend status with Everton after two successful spells there in his early years and was one of a number of names on the shortlist that included the likes of Frank Lampard and Vitor Pereira.<\/p>\n
However, Rooney has been quick to confirm he has turned down the opportunity to speak to the club as he would rather focus on his current efforts to keep Derby in the Championship amidst ongoing problems surrounding their ownership.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the vacant job, which I turned down,\u201d he said on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe I will be a Premier League manager and am ready for that 100 per cent. But I have a job at Derby, which is important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rooney has led his current club to eight victories and 11 draws this season and has been highly praised for the job he has done under difficult circumstances in the east Midlands.<\/p>\n
The Rams were hit with a 21-point deduction earlier this season following historical financial breaches.<\/p>\n
The side had been bottom of the table for much of the season but have now moved to 23rd after leapfrogging strugglers Barnsley.<\/p>\n
Had it not been for their points penalty, Derby would actually be sitting 15th in the Championship table.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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