Derby Manager Wayne Rooney Turns Down Everton Talk

Rooney was on a shortlist of candidates to replace Rafael Benitez.

"Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job, but I turned them down," said Rooney.

"It was a difficult decision. I believe I will be a Premier League manager and that I am ready for that 100%."

He added: "If that comes with Everton, great. But I have a job at Derby, which is important to me."

Derby have been in administration since September and remains in the relegation zone, eight points from safety.

Everton contacted Rooney's long-time adviser Paul Stretford, who in turn informed the club's administrators that the former England skipper has decided to remain at Pride Park.

Rooney spoke to Derby's administrators before his media conference ahead of Sunday's Championship encounter with Birmingham.

Although he had been given no further information about Thursday's announcement that Derby have been given an extra month to provide the Football League with detail around how they will fund the rest of the season, Rooney did confirm no players would be sold before Monday's transfer deadline.

That news comes amid interest in skipper Tom Lawrence from promotion-chasing Bournemouth.

"I have spoken to Tom," said Rooney. "His agent was speaking with the administrators.

"He is the captain of the club and has had a fantastic season. There is no issue with me and Tom.

"The administrators have assured me he won't be going. That is that."