**Jack Grealish has revealed he spoke to Wayne Rooney ahead of his Everton move.**
The England international became the sixth summer arrival for David Moyes’ side on Tuesday on a season-long loan switch from Manchester City.
Grealish will wear the no.18 shirt recently vacated by Ashley Young and previously sported by Rooney during his breakthrough period with the Blues.
And the 28-year-old admited that he sounded out the club’s former homegrown star before securing his switch to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“I’m over the moon to have signed for Everton,” said Grealish.
“It’s massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans.
“As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go.
“On social media, I’ve been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there’s that side of it as well and that’s another reason why I chose Everton.
“There were other numbers but my two favourite English players ever are Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne and I know they both wore number 18 here.
“As soon as I knew this deal was close, I had a look and number 18 was free, so that was perfect for me and it was the only number I was going to take from that point.
“I spoke to Wayne before I came here and I mentioned that to him – about the number 18 – so I hope he’s happy as well!”