Who could Wayne Rooney manage next?

The next move of an unemployed young manager whose only job to date resulted in a relegation down to League One wouldn’t usually command too much attention.

Yet, Wayne Rooney’s decision to leave his post at Derby this summer means he will inevitably be linked with just about every Championship vacancy that opens up next season, and potentially a few Premier League posts too. This is not only due to his significant profile in the game, but the creditable early stamp he has made within the managerial arena.

Rooney was unable to conjure up the near-impossible Great Escape at Derby after he was significantly hampered by administration, financial restrictions, a stonking points deduction, a plethora of off-field issues, and a catalogue of other set-backs, which could have punctured the optimism of even the most experienced and successful of managers. 

However, despite that relegation blip on his CV, the 36-year-old’s reputation in management has soared somewhat. His man-management skills, tactical awareness, character, drive, and determination shone through in what were extremely difficult circumstances at Pride Park. He also cultivated some pretty impressive results; carving out wins over champions Fulham and 2nd-placed Bournemouth.

Without the benefit of hindsight it’s impossible to predict with any sort of certainty which jobs will become available next season. But, we can speculate as to where Rooney could pop up next, aided by odds courtesy of Paddy Power - click here to place your bets.

When it comes to the Premier League, Everton could be well worth keeping close tabs on, with Rooney’s former employers priced at just 7/4 (Paddy Power) to be his next destination in the dugout.

Toffees incumbent Frank Lampard has proved to be a popular appointment so far, forming an emotional and passionate connection with the fans, something which many of the club's former managers notably failed to achieve. But after a difficult season Lampard knows that he needs to deliver results on a consistent basis next term, which may be harder said than done following the exit of Everton's star man Richarlison: a monumental loss.

Recent history shows that Everton managers tend to have short spans and the bookmakers don't seem to be taking many chances with Lampard installed amongst the early favourites in the Sack Race. A troubling opening period could leave Lamps under fire, in turn opening up an opportunity for Rooney, who it must be said actually turned down the chance to speak to Everton last season prior to the appointment of Lampard. However, should the Toffees job pop up again, we expect he’ll be far more open if his boyhood club came calling.

Other potential top-flight destinations, according to the betting, could be Newcastle (13/2), Leicester and Southampton (both 9/1), and even Leeds (10/1) - you’d probably want at least another zero on the latter! 

Man Utd feature at a similarly poor price of 16/1, although Bournemouth certainly catch the eye at a tempting 20/1 with Paddy Power. The Cherries have been handed an awful start upon their return to the top-flight, facing Aston Villa, Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Wolves in their opening five matches, with Scott Parker priced at 10/1 to be the first Premier League manager to leave - full odds below.

Aston Villa have also been handed odds of 20/1 to be Rooney's next port of call, while the 50/1 price on Man City is ludicrous.

When it comes to the Championship, Rooney has proven to be more than adept at managing in the division. If it wasn’t for the titanic -21 point deduction, Derby would have finished well clear of the drop zone. As previously mentioned, despite the bleak scenario and raft of restrictions, Rooney still managed to outwit the likes of Marco Silva and Scott Parker in matches.

If Dean Smith comes in for a spot of bother in his attempt to revive Norwich then the 14/1 price could prove to be great value.

Similarly, if Burnley’s appointment of Vincent Kompany completely backfires then Rooney - who was hotly linked to the job before - could be waiting in the wings at 16/1.

There are no other Championship clubs listed in the betting right now, but expect Rooney's name to shoot to the top of any next manager markets that arise in the second-tier. West Brom springs to mind if Steve Bruce falters.

Rooney’s departure from Derby resulted in Paddy Power slashing his price in the next England manager odds to just 11/2, making him the new favourite.

Gareth Southgate has come under pressure following England’s disastrous showing in the Nations League which includes a 4-0 hammering at home to Hungary. There’s simply no chance that Southgate is leaving prior to November’s World Cup, but a shameful showing in Qatar could well lead to an opening.

Whether Rooney would be a serious contender is unknown, although Southgate bagged the job after one spell in management during which he was relegated from the Premier League with Middlesbrough.

Could we soon be in a world where Wayne Rooney is managing Gareth Bale? The Welshman has just signed for Los Angeles FC, with Rooney a 10/1 shot to manage any MLS club. It’s a league he knows well having previously played for DC United towards the end of his career, however we'd imagine Rooney is targeting a return to England's league ladder.