Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has confirmed that he is interested in making a potential loan move for James Garner and Teden Mengi before the summer transfer window closes.
The Rams have been facing something of a crisis with their squad ahead of the opening weekend of the Championship season, with Rooney going as far to suggest he has been sleeping overnight on the couch in his manager’s office — to ‘work overtime’ to bolster Derby’s threadbare squad, as per The Guardian.
Yeah, right.
Is that another way to put 'in the dog house'? https://t.co/IMNvV5GXlV
— Stretty News (@StrettyNews) August 6, 2021
Rooney’s side need a lot more additions if their objective is to stay in the Championship, like they did on the final day of last season.
It looks like the owner wants to sell up, so Rooney has not got the luxury of other managers who have been permitted to spend money this summer.
However, the all-time top goalscorer for Manchester United is bound to use his contacts in the game to strike up something in Derby’s favour.
Read more: Manchester United starlet set to join Swansea City on loan
Speaking to Derbyshire Live ahead of Derby’s season opener against Huddersfield Town, Rooney confirmed the Rams are interested in moving for Man City youngster Liam Delap as well as Manchester United duo Garner and Mengi.
Rooney said: “Of course we have been doing our homework.
“Liam Delap is a player I really like. He has connections with Derby, he came through the Academy here. Whatever Manchester City are doing with Liam, we are on top of that also and with James Garner and Teden Mengi, different players from different clubs we are on top of it.
“Ultimately it is on those clubs to see us as a suitable club for their players to go and develop, so we have to wait and see on those players.”
It would be a positive to have both players compete regularly in the Championship this season.
Why not send them to Derby with Rooney trying to turn things around for the Rams.