Wayne Rooney could be set for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle.
The Manchester United and England legend is reportedly being considered by Blackburn Rovers as pressure mounts on current boss Valerien Ismael.
Ismael has endured a difficult start to life at Ewood Park since taking over from John Eustace in February.
According to talkSPORT, Blackburn are already weighing up potential replacements despite Ismael signing a three-year contract only months ago.
Wayne Rooney could be set for a shock return to management just four months after being sacked by Plymouth Argyle
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Rooney, who has been working as a pundit since his Plymouth dismissal on New Year's Eve, features on the list of possible candidates.
Blackburn have won just one of Ismael's eight games in charge since his arrival.
The poor run of form has seen Rovers slip out of the race for the play-offs.
They currently sit tenth in the Championship, seven points off the top six with only four games remaining.
Ismael took over after Eustace surprisingly departed to join Derby County.
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Wayne Rooney is being considered as a replacement for Valerien Ismael by Blackburn Rovers
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Despite signing a long-term deal, the Frenchman is now under mounting pressure at Ewood Park with the club's hierarchy appears to be losing patience with the manager's disappointing start.
Rooney's potential appointment would mark his fifth managerial role following stints at Derby, DC United, Birmingham and Plymouth.
The 39-year-old's managerial career has been marked by struggles across multiple clubs.
At Plymouth, he guided the team to just four victories from 23 Championship games before his dismissal.
His time at Birmingham was equally challenging, winning just two matches during a 15-game nightmare reign.
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Rooney began his managerial journey at Derby, where he initially impressed by saving them from relegation in the 2020/21 season.
However, he couldn't repeat the feat the following campaign after the club suffered a 21-point deduction for entering administration.
He also had a spell in charge of DC United in the United States before returning to England.
Despite his managerial struggles, Rooney has expressed interest in returning to coaching.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said he would be open to a comeback with the right club.
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"I'd have no problem dropping into an Under-21 team or going in as a coach," Rooney admitted.
"I'm still young enough to learn and develop. Just having a good group of players who were at a [good] level."
The former striker has been working as a pundit since leaving Plymouth but appears eager to return to the dugout.
Blackburn could offer Rooney his fifth opportunity in management.
Ismael has blamed his difficult start at Blackburn on an injury crisis within the squad.
Wayne Rooney was axed by Plymouth on New Year's Eve after a dire stint in charge
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"When you see the injury, we lost key players, massive players are missing for us," he explained.
"Ten players are missing. 10 players are missing. It's just too much.
"We are not a dead team. We were a team with issues. We tried to deal with our issues."
Ismael also called for patience during this difficult period.
"You have to stay calm. Focus on your job. Try to find the solution, ride the storm," he added.
