Former Everton midfielder John Collins has explained that the Toffees signed Wayne Rooney as a replacement for Ross Barkley.

It is no secret that Ross Barkley is desperate to leave Everton this summer and manager Ronald Koeman has gone as far as claiming that the midfielder will 100% be sold before the end of the transfer window.

"I think Wayne Rooney is a replacement for Ross Barkley – I think they are probably playing a similar position," the ex-Scotland international told talkSPORT.

"When they signed Wayne Rooney I thought the writing was on the wall for Ross Barkley. He's talented, he's got skill, he can beat a man and he can shoot but end product – 21 goals in 150 matches – I don't think it's a great figure.

"Sometimes he doesn't run, work and sweat enough for the team when you watch him. If he had Wayne Rooney's attitude and desire then I would class him as a top player."