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Everton have confirmed Wayne Rooney had to accept a 50% wage cut to push through a return to the club.

Rooney re-signed for the Blues last summer 13 years after he was sold to Manchester United.

The 32-year-old was understood to be earning £300,000 a week at Old Trafford but picks up half of that at Everton.

Chairman Bill Kenwright said talks over a deal to bring Rooney back to Goodison were the “greatest and shortest negotiations” he’s ever been involved in.

Rooney has scored 11 times this season and won two awards at The Dixies last night - one for Goal of the Season and the Individual Performance of the Season for his hat-trick display against West Ham.

Reports at the weekend, however, claimed Everton were now willing to listen to offers for Rooney and that Kenwright’s position was also under threat.

But the Blues’ chairman insists he has no regrets about bringing Rooney back to the club.

“The double award winner Wayne, that was one of the greatest and shortest negotiations I’ve ever had,” Kenwright said.

“He was so determined to come home and, as you know, he gave up half of his salary to do so.

“And the smile on his face when Jimmy (Martin), our kit man, gave him that Everton shirt, he would need an operation to get rid of it.

“A Sunday newspaper this week decided Wayne had underachieved and my head was on the block.

“If my head is on the block for supporting Wayne Rooney I will wear that badge with pride.”