Only one club in the country can afford to buy Rooney at current valuation - and even the most ambitious handlers would surely accept that it would not be the best thing for an 18-year-old's development, as both a footballer and a human being, to move down to London.
Rooney only moved into his first home away from his parents six months ago - and his football development has hardly been hindered by playing and training for Everton.
Trying desperately to put a brave face on the situation, some Evertonian message-board posters have tried to explain why selling Wayne Rooney might just be a good thing for Everton.
Selling Wayne Rooney cannot possibly be good for Everton Football Club.
But if I was a betting man, I'd say Evertonians may be able to enjoy Rooney's talent for a little while longer.
Liverpudlians, however, may already have seen the last of their talisman in a red jersey - and while the reasons may be hard to bear, I can begin to understand.
