Wayne Rooney is been linked with a job as Salford City manager if the club fails to secure promotion from League Two in what would be a boost to his family life.
The Manchester United legend has been out of work since leaving Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Eve.
Salford, co-owned by Rooney's former teammates including Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, are currently ninth in League Two with their promotion hopes fading.
The move would allow Rooney to manage close to his family home in Manchester.
Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen is keen on him to take a job closer to home next
InstagramRooney has endured a challenging start to his managerial career with stints at Derby County, Birmingham City and Plymouth.
The 39-year-old has kept himself busy with punditry work since his Plymouth departure, appearing on Amazon's Champions League coverage.
He has also undertaken coaching stints with Football Escapes in Dubai while considering his next career move.
Despite his difficult experiences, Rooney recently told the Stick to Football podcast that he would "like to go back in" to management.
Salford City are currently managed by Karl Robinson, who has been in charge since January 2024.
The Ammies have struggled recently, with one win in their last five matches and three consecutive defeats.
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This poor run has seen them slip to ninth in the League Two table, with their promotion hopes rapidly diminishing.
The Sun reports that Salford's owners could look to replace Robinson if they miss out on promotion this season.
Beyond a potential managerial role at Salford, Rooney is also reportedly being considered for a punditry position on Match of the Day.
This opportunity would be particularly convenient as the programme is filmed in Manchester.
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Wayne Rooney was sacked by Plymouth earlier this season
PA"There's also talk of him joining Match Of The Day as a pundit, which would be perfect as it's filmed in Manchester. So he wouldn't have too far to travel," an insider told Heat World.
The timing could be ideal with Gary Lineker set to depart the show at the end of the season.
Both potential roles would suit Rooney's family situation, according to the Heat World insider.
"There's talk of Wayne getting another managerial role at Salford City FC, which is music to Coleen's ears," the source said.
"It's local, so he doesn't have to move out, but he won't be home 24/7 and will have something to focus on."
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Coleen Rooney recently opened up on her happiness at Wayne being closer to home
PAColeen recently commented: "It's great now that Wayne's back home. He will do the school run, and I'll get an early gym session in."
Rooney has made it clear he is eager to return to management under the right circumstances.
"It'd have to be the right club," he told the Stick to Football podcast. "Certainly the right club."
The former England striker added that he would also consider roles with an U21 side, as a coach or even as an assistant manager.
Rooney appears determined to build a lasting career in football management despite his challenging start.
