Wish list ready as waiting game goes on

DERBY County manager Wayne Rooney has been fielding questions on potential ins and outs in the January transfer window.

The Rams have been in administration for 11 weeks and remain under a transfer embargo which restricts them to bringing in free agents or loan players, provided there is no loan fee involved.

Much is likely to depend on the ownership situation. The search for new owners is ongoing with the administrators hoping to land on a preferred buyer this month.

There is already speculation concerning the future of a number of Derby’s players and whether or not they will be sold in January.

Skipper Tom Lawrence, goalkeeper Kelle Roos and midfielders Max Bird and Jason Knight have all been linked with possible moves.

Here’s what Rooney said at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Championship clash against Blackpool at Pride Park Stadium.

■■Q) Are you aware of any interest in your players? Have you had to bat away any enquiries?

Rooney: As far as I am aware noone has been in touch with the club over any of our players.

I am sure there will be speculation but as I have said previously, no players will be leaving the club without my say-so. I get all the rumours, I hear all the rumours but I can reassure the players who are here if I want them to be here, they will stay.

■■Q) Is that still the message you are getting from the administrators? You won’t have to sell players in order to fund the club?

Rooney: “Yes, that is the message I have been given. And that is me relaying the message I have been told back to you.”

■■Q) Do you have a wish list of signings for January?

Rooney: “Of course, I do. I understand it is a very difficult situation at the club at the minute and if the right players become available then it is something we will try and do but I am not just going to bring players in for the sake of it, they have to be the right players, players who fit the profiles we have set out.”