It takes time for a giant to fall and in Wayne Rooney’s case the descent to terra firma began three years ago, eventually concluding with a thudding crash towards the tail-end of Louis van Gaal’s first season in charge. Having played over 52,000 minutes of ultra-competitive top-class football since the age of 17 his impact as a rampaging centre-forward was quite obviously diminishing and a deeper role as a playmaker deemed more productive. It wasn’t. It was anything but productive.

Some picked up on this straight away, namely the Stretford End faithful who had sung his name for over a decade. Others made excuses, a long litany of them. The debate quickly grew tiresome.

Then the season before last a strange thing happened. The giant remained slain; a shadow of his former self and now down in the dirt with the rest of us yet the excuses kept on coming. It was just a poor patch, we were told. Pundits and journalists pontificated on what was Rooney’s best position instead of querying why this mortalised, ineffective figure was deserving of a position at all. Game after game, week after week, his passes went astray and his touch was cumbersome and that on the occasions when he wasn’t completely anonymous. By the end of 2015/16 Rooney’s two most impressive achievements were as contradictory as it gets: he became England’s all-time leading goal-scorer while disproving the well-worn adage that form is temporary, class is permanent. As a force – and let’s not take away what an incredible force he consistently was for many a year – he was gone. Not fading. No longer diminishing. He was gone.

Jose Mourinho knew this, as did the bulk of the British public and press by now, which is why his prolonged demotion to the Old Trafford bench was met only with half-hearted sensationalism. The papers tried, bless them, to rally a sustainable narrative around this development – one that two or three years ago would have been given top billing on the six o’clock news – but Rooney simply smiled through it and the nation shrugged.

There was no longer an elephant in the room, there was no longer an elephant in United’s midfield and all that was left was a gravy-train trip across America’s MLS before retirement.

Enter stage left Everton, a schooling ground that had long been considered a destination for the striker to enjoy a sentimental swansong but that was before the trajectories of both club and player essentially swapped. That was then. This is now.

Just a week into the transfer window’s official opening and already Everton have bossed it, signing the best England keeper and centre-back of 2016/17 as they approach their peak, Ajax’s creator and captain Davy Klaassen, and a striker in Sandro guaranteed to bring goals and dynamism to their front line. Throw in the persistent rumours surrounding Olivier Giroud and Gylfi Sigurdsson and things are looking pretty sweet for the blue half of Merseyside with even a top four challenge being prematurely predicted in some quarters.

Should the 31-year-old return down the M62 this summer it will be a disastrous decision undertaken by the Toffees for all manner of reasons and not just football ones. It will breathe new life into the Cult of Rooney that has persisted in spirit only these past three years as his mind and body failed him. The club’s astute and steady progress under Koeman will be relegated to the margins, the spotlight exclusively on the player slowing down attacks and invariably finding row K with an attempted quarterback pass. To the possible detriment – and definite detraction – of all that Everton are creating next season’s travails will be all about a player who became short-hand for modern football; a one-man industry.

Make no mistake about it the media need Wayne Rooney. He is – atop all of his mightily brilliant achievements – their creation. He sells newspapers. He sells beer. He is a mythical beast who helped another mythical beast in Sky become a behemoth. It would not be in the least bit surprising to learn that for the past three years Clive Tyldesley has gobbled down Prozac each morning just to get him through the day.

Rooney to Everton will only re-energise the cult; it will act as the final glorious chapter in a tale for the ages, or at least that’s how it will be presented to us. At what cost to Everton? We’ll start with a quarter of a million in wages a week and go from there.

And all the time he will frustrate, and plod and toil, often the worst player on the pitch by some considerable distance.

It takes time for a giant to fall but he will always remain a giant in some eyes.

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Davy Klaassen made his Everton debut on Thursday night when the Toffees took on Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie at Goodison Park.

A largely underwhelming contest saw Leighton Baines score the only goal of the match as Everton secured a narrow advantage ahead of the return match.

Klaassen was one of a number of players to make their Everton debuts on Thursday, with Cuco Martina, Michael Keane and Sandro Ramirez all featuring, whilst Wayne Rooney was named in the starting XI following a return to the Merseyside outfit in this summer’s transfer window.

Klaassen took to Twitter on Friday afternoon to post a ‘thumps up’ message following the European victory, and the response from the Everton supporters suggested that the Netherlands international is already a popular figure with the club’s fanbase.

The 24-year-old scored 55 times in 181 appearances for Ajax between 2011 and 2017, and the Everton fans, who have been treated to a number of summer arrivals, will certainly be looking for the Dutchman to contribute goals during his time at Goodison.

According to Premium Sport, Juventus have told Arsenal that it will take an offer of £26.8m in order to sign wing-back Juan Cuadrado in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger switched to a three-man central defence in the latter stages of last season, and it has been suggested that the Frenchman could implement that system on a full-time basis in the new campaign.

A specialist formation calls for specialist players, however, and with Carl Jenkinson, Mathieu Debuchy and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all expected to leave the Gunners this summer, Arsenal are lacking in right-sided options.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Arsenal had approached Juventus over a move for Cuadrado, who signed a permanent contract with the Italian champions in May after a loan spell from Chelsea.

It seems strange that Cuadrado could leave Turin just two months after signing a long-term contract, but according to Premium Sport, Juventus would sell if Arsenal came up with a bid of £26.8m.

Is the deal possible?

In theory, yes. However, it remains to be seen whether Cuadrado would be interested in another crack at the Premier League after an unhappy spell with Chelsea.

The 29-year-old moved to Chelsea from Fiorentina in 2015, and he made 14 appearances for the Blues in the second half of the 2014-15 campaign.

The Colombian international lasted just six months at Stamford Bridge, however, and has spent the last two seasons on loan with Juventus, scoring eight times in 85 appearances for the Italian giants.

Arsenal have already broken their transfer record to sign Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon this summer, and the Gunners would not be afraid to spend big once again in the latter stages of the transfer window.

It is difficult to imagine Cuadrado saying goodbye to Juventus less than three months after signing a three-year contract, but it seems that the Turin outfit would be prepared to sell if they can make a profit on the £17m that they paid Chelsea earlier this summer.

Marco Asensio has steadily established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football since returning to Real Madrid from a promising loan spell at Espanyol last summer.

The attacking midfielder has gone on to bag twelve goals across all competitions for his parent club, become a senior Spain international, score in a Champions League final and claim the Silver Boot at the U21 European Championship.

So recent reports citing Arsenal’s interest in the three-cap 21-year-old undoubtedly captured the imagination of the Gunners faithful, although Diario Gol went on to strongly suggest that Asensio will only be using the club’s keenness to try and negotiate an improved contract at the Bernabeu.

That will have left Arsenal fans watching last night’s second leg of the Spanish Super Cup inevitably wondering what could be if, in some alternative reality, Asensio reciprocated the club’s interest.

Asensio got the contest off to a flyer with a stunning strike from long range in the fourth minute, while his performance also produced three created chances, one successful dribble and an 88% passing accuracy.

With Alexis Sanchez’s future uncertain, the Spaniard would have been the ideal replacement. But ready to negotiate an improved contract and seemingly growing in importance to Los Blancos by the game, it seems Arsenal fans can only dream about the influence Asensio would’ve had at the Emirates Stadium.

As Birmingham City manager, Harry Redknapp is well aware of the rivalry between his club and Midlands rivals Aston Villa.The experienced coach stoked the fires last season after criticising the Villa team after the two clubs met in the Championship.This time, he has poured cold water over a transfer that would have been sure to excite the fans.Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been linked to a switch to Villa Park, withÂThe MirrorÂclaiming that Steve Bruce’s side recently made an approach for the injury-plagued midfielder.It is not entirely strange to imagine the 25-year-old at Villa considering that the club were able to convince Chelsea legend John Terry to join, but Redknapp is adamant that Wilshire will not sign up.While speaking to ITV Sport, Redknapp said:

“People are trying to get Jack Wilshere obviously. I would love him, but he won’t come to the Championship. Aston Villa are supposed to be interested, but I don’t think that he’ll come to the Championship.”

For the majority of last season, Wilshere was injury-free as he made 27 Premier League appearances, 22 of them starts, during a loan spell at Bournemouth.

The campaign ended in disappointment, though, as he fractured his leg and is yet to make a competitive appearance this season.

With the 2018 World Cup in Russia coming up, Wilshere will be keen to get as much game time as possible in order to attract the interest of England manager Gareth Southgate.

Liverpool were eliminated in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

The result stretched Liverpool’s winless run in all competitions to four matches, and again led to criticism of head coach Jurgen Klopp, who failed to address the team’s defensive problems during the summer transfer window.

Both managers made wholesale changes for the League Cup clash, but Liverpool would have still fancied their chances of overcoming the former Premier League champions.

As it transpired, the Reds were made to pay for missed opportunities as Leicester scored twice in the second period to book their spot in round four.

It would be fair to say that the Liverpool fans are a frustrated bunch at the moment, and that was in full evidence following Tuesday night’s defeat.

Indeed, Klopp took the brunt of the criticism on Twitter, with many Liverpool supporters claiming that the German is currently blind to the team’s problems.

Such is Tottenham Hotspur’s injury and suspension list ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with APOEL, head coach Mauricio Pochettino might well have to take to the field.

A 20-time Argentina international during his playing days, Pochettino turned out for Newell’s Old boys, Espanyol, Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux during a successful playing career.

The now 45-year-old hung up his boots in 2006 before earning his first managerial role at Espanyol in 2009, and he has since become one of the most respected young coaches in the European game.

It might be a touch too late for Pochettino to take to the field, but the Tottenham manager answered the calls of supporters to attempt the crossbar challenge during a training session ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against APOEL.

Pochettino answered the shout by hitting the crossbar, which led to some Tottenham fans claiming that their manager should get his boots ready for the European tie.

Key centre-back Jan Vertonghen is suspended for the APOEL match, but it does seem a tad far-fetched that Pochettino will fill in himself alongside Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez.

Arsenal host Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday in the English Premier League’s early kick-off and it’s a must win match for Arsene Wenger’s team if they want to keep up with the teams setting the pace at the top of the table.

After being trounced by Liverpool 4-0 at the end of August, the Gunners were undefeated throughout September and will be hoping to kick-off October with another three points at the Emirates.

Wenger has named his starting eleven for the fixture and it’s already causing concern amongst the Arsenal support.

As expected it’s an attacking team with the Gunners looking to dominate possession and chances against the Premier League new boys.

One player not filling Arsenal fans with confidence though is Alex Iwobi. The 21-year-old hasn’t started since the team’s 0-0 draw against Chelsea and with no goals and just one assist to his name this season, supporters would rather have seen someone else today.

Some were hoping to see Jack Wilshere start after his performance in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, while others were looking to Theo Walcott. However, both are on the bench after Iwobi was given the nod.

Supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

According to reports in The Sun, West Ham United have been dealt a blow in their attempts to reignite their bid to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho in January, with the Portuguese club ready to offer their player a new contract.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Sun says that the Irons were desperate to sign the Portugal international during the summer, but they failed to agree a fee with Sporting and a huge row broke out between the two boards after the transfer window slammed shut.

The Sun says that the 25-year-old was keen on the move to the London Stadium despite the fact that he would be giving up Champions League football, and the Hammers were hopeful of resurrecting a deal either in the New Year or at the end of the season.

However, The Sun says that Sporting are keen to hold on to their prized asset for at least another season and are ready to hand him a bumper new contract.

The report adds that the new deal could see his current release clause of £40m swell to £54m.

How has Carvalho done this season?

Despite all of the speculation surrounding his future during the summer, the 25-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions for Sporting and captained them in their last four Liga NOS matches, while he also featured in the Champions League defeat against Barcelona.

Is he likely to sign a new deal?

It’s difficult to say.

While a move to a Premier League club like West Ham may be tempting, Carvalho could also believe that he could get a move to an even bigger team if he carries on performing well for Sporting in the Champions League.

If that is the case then Slaven Bilic and the Hammers may be fighting a losing battle, and the potential £54m release clause would certainly be beyond their reach.

Do West Ham need him?

They certainly do.

While their results have picked up in recent weeks, they still look a little weak in the middle of the park and the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble aren’t being as effective in central midfield as they have been in the past.

Carvalho would certainly bring some strength, steel and a protective barrier in front of the defence, which would help the Irons concede fewer goals.

According to talkSPORT, Liverpool are considering a January move for Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

What’s the story?

To suggest that Liverpool have had defensive problems this season would be the understatement of the century. Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip have both struggled, whilst Alberto Moreno seems to have gone backwards once again.

It is difficult to be too critical of a team’s defensive problems, however, without mentioning the base that it stems from.

In Liverpool’s case, that is through Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius. Granted, Karius has had limited opportunities this season, with Mignolet proving to be Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice stopper during the 2017-18 campaign.

It is understood that Klopp is still happy with Mignolet, but according to talkSPORT, the Reds have been placed on red alert by the news that Casillas could leave Porto in the winter transfer window.

Indeed, the former Spain number one is expected to be on the market come January 1, and Liverpool are believed to be exploring the possibility of a deal.

Could Casillas really end up at Anfield?

It seems a long shot. The 36-year-old appears likely to leave Porto in January after being benched for their last two matches, but whether he ends up at Liverpool is a different matter entirely.

Casillas won five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns during a glittering career at Real Madrid, before leaving the Bernabeu for Porto at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

The stopper is closing on 100 matches for Porto, and has already made 10 appearances for the Portuguese giants this season.

According to AS, Porto want to get rid of Casillas – one of the club’s highest earners – in order to avoid Financial Fair Play penalties.

There is no question that Liverpool need a new goalkeeper, and signing Casillas in January on a short-term deal might well be the answer for the time being.