---
title: "Goodbye Rooney: Everton must land this £9m-rated maestro to replace him"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/goodbye-rooney-everton-must-land-this-9m-rated-maestro-to-replace-him/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Marcus Banks"
section: "Everton"
published: "2018-06-05T07:10:24Z"
modified: "2018-06-05T07:10:24Z"
---

# Goodbye Rooney: Everton must land this £9m-rated maestro to replace him

**Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern are delighted at the latest news coming out of Goodison Park and their search for a manager has finally ended.**

Former Watford boss, Marco Silva, was officially announced as Sam Allardyce’s successor and our punters are expecting big things from the Portuguese. Allardyce steered the Blues clear of a relegation fight, but his style of play left fans far from happy. Silva is known for his attack-minded football so the Goodison faithful should be in for a treat.

Just days into his reign as Everton boss, Silva is expected to lose talisman Wayne Rooney who is on the [verge](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/707064/Wayne-Rooney-DC-United-Everton-Coach-Transfer-News-Rumours-Gossip) of sealing a move to DC United in the MLS. The former England international returned to the club last summer but endured a dismal end to the season. His departure leaves a void in the number 10 role that needs to be filled.

One man Silva should look to replace him with is Norwich City midfielder – James Maddison. The 21-year-old has been of the Championship’s best players and has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League. He netted 14 goals and notched eight assists which has seen his market value skyrocketed to £9m according to [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-maddison/profil/spieler/294057).

Maddison is technically gifted, possessing excellent dribbling skills and has a fantastic passing range. He has an eye for a goal which is becoming increasingly rare for a number 10. The former Coventry man is also a danger from set-pieces, bagging numerous free-kicks for the Canaries. He would command a big fee no doubt, but he would be worth it.

Tottenham showed how dipping into the lower leagues can be a worthwhile investment with Dele Alli, the Toffees should make sure Maddison follows in his footsteps.

**Everton fans, thoughts?**