Wayne Rooney says his Derby future depends on takeover after Rams stun Fulham

Wayne Rooney helped delay Fulham’s bid to return to the Premier League and then admitted his future with Derby hinges on the proposed takeover of the club by American Chris Kirchner.

Derby denied Fulham the three points they required to guarantee promotion with a 2-1 win that kept alive their own distant hopes of staying in the Championship.

Earlier in the day, following the unexpected dismissal of Sean Dyche, the former England captain had seen himself linked with the vacant Burnley post but Rooney confirmed that he is more interested in discovering the fate of his current club and Kirchner’s proposed purchase.

“The last week has been really positive and whatever happens in these last few games, there have been some real positives,” he said.

“I can see a difference around the place, in the staff, they are starting to feel like this club has a future. You could sense that tonight with the fans.

“I was shocked today when Sean Dyche was sacked but to see my name linked is a compliment to me and the staff, as it was when we were linked with Everton, and what we’re doing here. My future depends on this takeover being completed.”

Fabio Carvalho’s first-half goal, turned in after 20 minutes following a one-two with Bobby Decordova-Reid, appeared to have Fulham well on course for the victory they needed to secure promotion.

But five minutes into the second half, the hosts equalised when teenager Luke Plange, signed by Crystal Palace but loaned back to Derby in January, turned in Lee Buchanan’s cross.

Then, with 17 minutes to go, Derby stunned the stuttering leaders by taking the lead when Plange pressured Tosin Adarabioyo into an own goal as he competed for a Tom Lawrence drive.

It was a second-half collapse that left Fulham