Wayne Rooney makes Derby County transfer claim involving Arsenal player

Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe has managed nine goals and two assists in just 17 Premier League starts this campaign – and after impressing for the Gunners, Wayne Rooney has revealed to Sky Sports Monday Night Football (via Mail Online) that he nearly signed the player for Derby.

Over the course of the last two seasons, the 21-year-old has burst onto the scene at the Emirates Stadium and is now a first-team regular for the side.

He has looked like one of the most impressive at the club when given the chance to shine and he has won the plaudits from plenty in the world of football – and the latest name to heap the praise on the player is Wayne Rooney at Derby.

The former Man United man – who is now trying to lead the Rams out of the relegation places in the Championship – has not only admitted that he likes the forward but that he even tried to bring him to Pride Park when he initially arrived as boss at the club.

It certainly could have helped the club, with Derby struggling in both campaigns that Rooney has been in charge. The Rams only just stayed in the second tier last season but despite the turmoil off the field this campaign, they have performed admirably and have very nearly exited the drop zone.

They’re still rooted in there now – they’re six points off safety in 23rd – and do look like they might end up in League One next season. It might be a case of what could have been though, with Rooney claiming Smith-Rowe was a target for the manager.

Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football (via Mail Online) he said: “Yeah, I am [a fan of Smith-Rowe].

“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.”

The Verdict

Em