Rooney Hoping To Use His Connections At Man United To Sign Exciting Forward

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney.

Action Images/Jason Cairnduff

Wayne Rooney is keen to strengthen Derby County by signing Amad Diallo, as he fights to keep his side in the Championship.

The former United legend hopes his connections at Old Trafford could help him sign the 19-year-old ahead of fellow Championship sides Barnsley and Birmingham City, reports the Telegraph. The Red Devils are expected to make a decision on the former Atalanta forward’s next destination this week.

The Rams sit bottom of the league table following a 21-point deduction, but three wins in their last four Championship matches show Rooney’s men haven’t given up yet. There’s a chance the English manager can preserve Derby’s second tier status with a little bit of support in the transfer market this month.

Diallo, despite enduring a tough 2021/22 campaign so far could prove to be an exciting attacking option for Derby.

The Ivorian was set to join Dutch outfit Feyenoord last summer to continue his development, but an injury scuppered his loan move.

Diallo made his only senior appearance of the season in a 1-1 draw against Young Boys in the Champions League in December, and showed flashes of his immense talent.

But he isn’t in Ralf Rangnick’s immediate plans, and a January loan move elsewhere was always going to be his best option to get regular first-team football.