English Premier League legend Wayne Rooney could be in D.C. as early as the next 72 hours, according to Sky Sports News. They also report both clubs have come to an agreement with Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford. The former England captain may not sign until Tuesday, next week, as reported by The Washington Post. Rooney’s addition is set to give a big boost to the struggling D.C. United roster. Four-time MLS (Major League Soccer) Cup Champs currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Rooney is slated to leave his current club Everton to join the United on a two-year deal.

He’d be joining clear of a free transfer. This will save Everton £7.8 million ($10 million) from their wage bill. It’s the money they would have to pay Rooney if he had stayed for the last year of his contract.

End of an era

Wayne Rooney has played for his boyhood club, Everton, for the last 12 months, where he scored 11 goals. This is the second time he's donned Everton blue. Many believe he did well at Everton, but his age (32) and the stress of being competitive in England's top flight soccer league makes his chance of starting in future matches questionable. In between both stints he served as a stalwart player with Manchester United, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer by scoring 250 goals.

He also completed that feat with the English national team, netting 53 goals. Practically, everyone agrees he's going to score goals, pundits at ESPNFC suggests.

Elite company

English soccer legends like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and David Beckham all played against Rooney in the EPL, and with him on the national team. They also have made successful transitions from the Premier League to Major League Soccer.

Wayne Rooney isn’t the only Everton player headed to America. Teammate Leighton Barnes is also headed to the U.S. Ashley Williams, and Yannick Bolasie both are looking to leave the club for points unknown. Everton has a new manager, Marco Silva, and has yet to make any new signing since the offseason. It's believed things will pick up after the World Cup.

Transfer window

Technically, he cannot join D.C. United until the MLS transfer window opens on July 10. He could be playing his first United game at the grand opening of the 20,000-seat Audi Field, against the Vancouver Whitecaps, on July 14. After his United career closes, Rooney is expected to return to Goodison Park (Everton’s stadium) in a coaching capacity.

The United are also keen on adding to improving their ineffective attacking arsenal by looking to South America, according to the team's website. Sources at the United are looking for youth and skill. To meet this demand, they've hired Rodrigo Robles as Director of South American Scouting.
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