'I really like him' - Wayne Rooney reveals he tried to sign Arsenal youngster

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has revealed he attempted to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal after admitting he ‘really likes’ the playmaker.

The midfielder had a breakthrough campaign with Arsenal last season but he was heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates last summer.

Aston Villa attempted to sign Smith Rowe, while Derby made an approach to take him on loan.

And despite the Rams’ failure to get a deal over the line, Rooney’s revealed how much admiration he has for the England playmaker.

‘Yeah, I am [a fan],’ Rooney said on Sky Sports.

‘I think he’s a fantastic young player.

‘When I first went in as manager of Derby, he’s actually a player who I enquired about to try and bring in on loan.

‘He can take the ball with both feet, he can score goals, create goals. I really like him and think he’s got a bright future.

‘I think he’s quite similar to Adam Lallana in how he runs with the ball and off both feet.

‘He makes good runs to get in behind. He’s got an eye for goal. I really like him.’

Smith Rowe started the season in sensational fashion but he’s lost his place in the Gunners’ starting XI in recent months, with Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli finding form.

The playmaker signed a new five-year deal at the Emirates last summer, keeping him tied to the club until 2026.

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