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There is perhaps no more emotive issue for Evertonians right now than the future of Wayne Rooney. Still only 18, he has come to illustrate everything Everton have been missing in recent years — namely, a potentially world class homegrown talent — and encapsulate the spirit of club that is embodied by the catchphrase "once a blue, always a blue." Not only is he "ours" he appears to be "one of us" as well.

For now at least, Rooney seems content to stay with the club he has supported since he was a boy, the team he was watching from the terraces like any other dedicated fan just a couple of years ago, which, given his tender years, is exactly what he should be doing. His manager and family are no doubt advising him that for the benefit of his own development, Goodison Park is the best place for him to be right now, not only in spite of the current difficulties on the pitch but precisely because of them. There's nothing like learning under adverse conditions!

Of course, that's far too safe and sensible for the national media who are just itching to see Master Rooney make a mega-money move to someone like Manchester United or Chelsea, hence the heightening speculation in recent weeks. It's only get more intense the closer we get to Euro 2004 and its aftermath which can only be unsettling for the player.

It's also far too boring a scenario for Paul Stretford his ProActive Sports agency with which Rooney signed when he became a professional last season. It is naturally in their interests to see their asset land the best contract possible, whether that is at Everton or, more likely, with a bigger club. So, naturally, they will be pushing him to raise his demands when contract talks resume in the summer.

None of that is good for Everton, whose financial realities will rely on Rooney's wage demands remaining conservative to enable the club to keep their most prized asset.

1999: Kevin Campbell scores the most recent winning Everton goal in a Mersey derby

Premiership.

Lyndon Lloyd

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