Wayne Rooney cannot get guarantee on Everton game time, says Sam Allardyce

Sam Allardyce has denied Wayne Rooney has asked to leave Everton but insisted the former England captain cannot be given assurances over his playing time at Goodison Park.

On Friday Rooney left Everton’s Finch Farm complex without training, driving away as the first-team squad went out for the session, but he is believed to be still carrying the knee injury that kept him out of the draw with Southampton last weekend. He has not trained this week.

Allardyce had earlier confirmed that negotiations have taken place over a move to DC United for Rooney, who has another year on his contract plus a 12-month option that can be activated by the club. The 32-year-old is seeking clarification from the Everton hierarchy over the manager’s situation and his future role before deciding his next step, but would prefer to remain at his boyhood club.

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Allardyce, his own future at Everton shrouded in doubt, said: “My understanding of the situation is there seems to have been some negotiation somewhere along the line but, in terms of clarity as to whether Wayne is leaving or staying, I’ll find out later today when Wayne comes in for training. I don’t get involved in anything regarding transfers in or out or negotiations. All I know is there appears to be an interest from DC United – where that is, where that lies and where Wayne lies with it, I can’t tell you at the moment.

“I am always comfortable if any player wants to leave or if any player doesn’t want to leave. But let’s put this right: Wayne Rooney has not asked to leave and neither has Wayne Rooney had any confrontation with me or been in any difficult situation in the time since I’ve been here because we are two adults and we talk.”

Allardyce clarified that his stance on players who wish to move did not apply only to Rooney. He added: “Wayne is a special player but if any player wants to leave they can, in my opinion. Whether they can or can’t is another matter. The headline isn’t: ‘Sam says Wayne Rooney can leave if he wants to.’ If any player wants to leave they can go.”

Rooney, Everton’s leading goalscorer this season, has become increasingly frustrated with a reduced role under Allardyce. The former England manager, however, insisted no player could be guaranteed minutes on the pitch regardless of who is in charge.

Allardyce said: “How as a manager can you guarantee anyone to play? If they don’t play well you can’t select them and if they do play well they stay in the team. That’s the simple fact of the matter. It is up to them to put their game together on a consistent basis.”