Major update emerges on Everton’s swoop for Derby County figure | OneFootball

36-year-old Rooney has been commended for his commitment to the Rams’ cause despite their current troubles, with the East Midlands outfit entering administration in September and being placed under a strict transfer embargo during this summer.

This meant the Rams were only able to recruit five players during the previous window, leaving their first-team squad looking threadbare, but they have fought against all odds to climb up to 23rd place after being punished with a 21-point deduction earlier this season.

Quiz: Have each of these 25 ex-Derby County players ever played in the Premier League?

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Has former Derby County man Will Hughes ever played in the Premier League?

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Previously look like relegation certainties, the second-tier side have now given themselves a real chance of survival as they sit eight points adrift of safety, a surmountable gap that Derby will be looking to make up to pull off what would be one of the biggest footballing miracles in English football history.

However, they may end up being the victims of their own success with the Toffees seemingly monitoring their ex-player’s progress at Pride Park.

Following the sacking of Rafa Benitez, the Premier League side’s hierarchy are set to make an approach to interview Rooney after being rebuffed by Belgium’s Football Association regarding the availability of Roberto Martinez.

But the Manchester United legend isn’t the only man reported to be in with a shout of winning the role on Merseyside, with Frank Lampard also set to be interviewed as per the same report from The Telegraph this morning.

The Verdict:

This would be an almighty blow for the Rams and would probably have a bigger detrimental effect than any player leaving would – because Rooney has been instrumental in inspiring his side in difficult circumstances.

Not only are they claiming precious points – but also playing attractive football at the same time and that’s why Derby fans will be praying that he remains in the Midlands for the foreseeable future.

The 36-year-old does seem to be committed to the cause – but considering he used to play for Everton and was born in Merseyside – it would probably be very difficult for the ex-England international to turn down this opportunity.

That’s why Derby fans should be concerned about this reported approach, although it remains to be seen what Rooney’s stance on this move is.

He will be reluctant to leave Derby considering the close relationships he’s seemingly formed and the state the club is currently in – but this opportunity to move to Goodison may not come around again for quite a while.

The Rams’ boss does have unfinished business at Derby though, so you couldn’t rule out a potential stay with Rooney not guaranteed to be the preferred candidate.