Wayne Rooney at centre of 'tug-of-war' after being offered two top jobs ahead of next season

Wayne Rooney has reportedly been offered two top jobs for next season as he weighs up a potential return to management.

Rooney was sacked by Birmingham in January, bringing to an end an unsuccessful three-month spell at St Andrew’s.

The Blues were eventually relegated from the Championship last weekend, despite being sixth when Rooney took over from John Eustace – who subsequently took over at Blackburn and kept them up on the final day.

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The 38-year-old has indicated his desire to get back into management, and spoke about how he believes he could still manage Manchester United or Everton in the future.

But he has also made several punditry appearances on TNT Sports and Sky Sports, including when he sat in the Sky studios for the recent Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool.

And according to The Sun, Rooney has impressed television chiefs during his appearances – so much so that both Sky and TNT want to offer him a position as a ‘main pundit’ on their football shows.

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The United legend has already accepted a role as part of The Overlap’s Stick to Football team, and is reportedly of interest to both BBC and ITV ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024.

However, it is claimed that Rooney still holds ambitions to succeed in management, with a source telling The Sun: “Sky is particularly keen to sign him because they think he presents well with Jamie Carragher, and is regarded as a natural replacement for when Gary Neville is commentating.

“But as much as Wayne loves working in the studio, he is desperate for a return to the dugout.

“Despite everything that’s happened at Birmingham, he still believes he has a lot to offer, and harbours ambitions to one day manage in the Premier League. It means he is in a bit of a tug-of-war over what to do.”

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Although he failed to succeed at St Andrew’s, Rooney impressed onlookers at Derby while operating under strict financial barriers.

He then left the Rams amid uncertainty over the club’s future ownership in League One, before a mixed spell with MLS side DC United.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Wayne Rooney, Premier League, EFL Championship, Football, Birmingham City, Sky Sports, Euro 2024

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.