Alan Stubbs tells talkSPORT: ‘Wayne Rooney’s Everton return is not an emotional move… he is hungry for success’

Wayne Rooney is as hungry for success as ever and hasn't just rejoined Everton to see out his career.

That's the claim from his close pal and former Toffees teammate Alan Stubbs, who is delighted to see the 31-year-old back at his boyhood club.

Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast, Stubbs said: "This is not an emotional move. Wayne still thinks he has got a lot to offer.

"People look at him going back to Everton and think this will be his last couple of years and that's Wayne [finished]. But, believe me, his hunger to do well is still very much as what it was when he first started playing."

Rooney is trading places with Romelu Lukaku, who is on the verge of wrapping up a move to United for an initial £75million fee.

Lukaku has scored 71 goals in 133 games for Everton across the last three seasons, and Stubbs is expecting the Belgian to be a big success at Old Trafford.

"He has got so much potential, Rom," said Stubbs, who spent two years at Everton and captained the club.  

"As a defender marking him, he caused you a lot of problems. Physically he is really strong.

"It's not created in the gym, he is just a naturally strong, powerful young lad and he is going to go to a fantastic club where is playing with potentially better players who are going to create more opportunities for him.

"He has always stated he wants to play in the Champions League too so Rom has got his wishes."