Wayne Rooney says he is "flattered" by reported interest from Everton in him but has confirmed Derby are yet to receive an approach from his former club over their managerial vacancy.
The former Manchester United star is the favourite to take over at Goodison Park following the sacking of Rafael Benitez earlier this week.
Duncan Ferguson, who is also in the running to take over from Benitez full-time, has been placed in caretaker charge as Everton begin their search for a new permanent boss.
Rooney is currently in charge at Championship crisis club Derby County, and has managed to lift them off the foot of the table despite a 21-point deduction for going into administration.
His work at Pride Park has seen his name being linked with a return to his boyhood club, with United’s all-time leading goalscorer having jumped to the top of the betting after the Toffees’ pursuit of Roberto Martinez was reportedly pushed back by Belgium.
But, ahead of Derby’s clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend, Rooney confirmed he’s had no approach from his former club as of yet.
"I am flattered, but Everton will know if they are to have any communication with me they will have to go through the administrator.”
The former United forward leads Frank Lampard in the betting for the Everton job, with the pair at 5/2 and 7/2 respectively.
Ferguson is close behind at 4/1, with Fabio Cannavaro at 7/1 while former favourite Martinez has now drifted out to 10/1.
Former United boss Jose Mourinho is also in the market at 12/1, with speculation over his future at Roma as they struggle to challenge for a top-four place in Serie A.
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