Manchester United have reportedly entertained the idea of offering Wayne Rooney in part-exchange for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.
Despite Rooney publicly stating that he wants to remain at Old Trafford, it has long been reported that he could leave United during the summer after 13 years at the club.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has previously stated that he would be interested in signing the 31-year-old should he be made available for transfer, and it has been suggested that United may look to take advantage of that revelation.
According to the Daily Mail, United may use their captain in order to bring down Lukaku's reported asking price of £100m.
The Toffees do not want to sell the Premier League's top goalscorer but with just two years remaining on his existing deal and the Belgian not prepared to pen a new contract at this stage, they may opt to sell the forward to maximise the fee they receive for his signature.
Rooney would not be seen as a like-for-like replacement for Lukaku - who has 24 goals in England's top flight this season - but it is a package that may take some consideration given the situation with Lukaku and the stature of former Toffees attacker Rooney.
The England skipper scored 17 times in 77 appearances for Everton before making the £20m switch to United in 2004.
Darren Plant
