Wayne Rooney agrees transfer to DC United from Everton on three-and-a-half year contract

DC United have held a long-standing interest in Rooney, who last summer made an emotional return to Everton after 13 years at Old Trafford

Wayne Rooney has agreed his switch to Major League Soccer side DC United on a three-and-a-half year contract, Everton have announced, bringing his trophy-laden 15-year spell in the Premier League to an end.

DC United have held a long-standing interest in Rooney, who last summer made an emotional return to Everton after 13 years at Old Trafford. The frontman became all-time top scorer for United and England during his time away from Goodison Park, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League among a glut of other trophies.

Rooney spoke of an exciting new challenge upon his return to Everton, but has now left halfway through a two-year deal. Newly-appointed manager Marco Silva and director of football Marcel Brands said earlier this month that they would not stand in his way if he wanted to head to DC United.

Brands said: "There is a possibility he could leave. He is talking with Washington, it is not a secret. Of course we will talk with him and, if this is a move he wants to make and is the next step in his career, then I can only hope he will return when he is finished there because I think he still is a legend in this club.

Wayne Rooney is set for a move to America (PA)

"I always hoped to do that at (former club) PSV and I hope to do that here, to use the legends at the club."

DC United are about to move into their new Audi Field home, which opens against New England Revolution on 14 July. Rooney will not be able to play for the MLS side until the secondary transfer window opens on 10 July.

Additional reporting by PA