Wayne Rooney makes admission on Derby County players’ futures

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has revealed he knows which of his players want to remain at Pride Park beyond the end of the campaign, speaking to his side’s media team.

The 36-year-old has endured a turbulent campaign at Pride Park with the Rams still in administration at this stage, although yesterday’s announcement of a preferred bidder may have provided the second-tier side with light at the end of the tunnel.

A takeover could enable the Manchester United legend to start handing out contracts to those he wants to tie down for the long term, something that’s much-needed considering they have already seen several players depart the club during this calendar year alone.

Phil Jagielka and Graeme Shinnie’s departures during the January window not only stripped the East Midlands outfit of experience – but also depth in a squad that already looked threadbare before they left.

And Kamil Jozwiak’s move to MLS outfit Charlotte last month hasn’t helped matters either, with several first-teamers including Tom Lawrence, Ravel Morrison and Curtis Davies all set to leave in the summer with their deals expiring at the end of the campaign.

Some of those out of contract may want to extend their stay in the East Midlands though – and Rooney has said this afternoon that he knows who wants to stay put.

He said: “There are a lot of staff and players that need to come into the club.

“Knowing that’s the task at hand and still being prepared to come in shows direction.

“I know the players that want to stay at the club and I’ll be having those conversations over the next week.”

The Verdict:

This clarity allows Rooney to start preparing for the summer which looks set to be complicated, with the Rams not yet clear on which division they will