Harry Redknapp believes Wayne Rooney would guide Everton into the Champions League if he returned to his former club.
Speculation continues to link the Manchester United and England captain with a Blues homecoming after Ronald Koeman admitted he would welcome the striker.
Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing Old Trafford record against Stoke City last weekend to become United’s all-time leading goal scorer.
And former Tottenham manager Redknapp has urged the 31-year-old to consider returning to Goodison Park for the final chapter of his career.
He said: “[Jose] Mourinho doesn’t see him as a starter. He doesn’t think he is better than Zlatan [Ibrahimovic].
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“Maybe it is time for him to have one more challenge – go somewhere where is wanted and going to be a big player.
“He could go back to his own club Everton. He is an Everton fan. Go back there, finish your career there and take Everton into the Champions League positions.
“He could go there and turn them into a top four club. He could make the difference.
“He could help these young kids who have come in. Imagine having Rooney back around to help on the park, look after them and teach them the game.”
Everton, meanwhile, have confirmed Gerard Deulofeu’s loan departure to AC Milan. The winger will spend the rest of the season at the San Siro.