ROONEY LEADS PLAYERS IN BATTLE AGAINST DERBY’S WAGE DEFERRAL

WAYNE Rooney is at the centre of Derby County players’ battle against a proposed 50% wage deferral.

Sportsmail understands the Rams board want the squad to forego half of their pay, which would be paid back at a later date.

But Rooney, who is leading talks on behalf of players, informed chief executive Stephen Pearce that the squad are only willing to take a 25% deferral.

Rooney, it is understood, has spoken directly to Professional Footballers’ Association chief Gordon Taylor.

Players want Derby to share their accounts so they can make a fully informed decision regarding the club’s proposed wage reductions.

Hundreds of footballers up and down the country are unconvinced of the motives of their clubs, fearing they are using the coronavirus crisis as an opportunity to save money.

Sportsmail understands Derby players are prepared to withdraw their counter-offer of 25% if the club fail to disclose their accounts.

Rooney could afford to take a 50% deferral – but the former Manchester United icon is fighting for his teammates who aren’t in the same position.

In his column for the Sunday Times earlier this month, Rooney said: “I’m in a position where I could give something up. Not every footballer is in the same position.

“Yet suddenly the whole profession has been put on the spot with a demand for 30% pay cuts across the board.

“Why are footballers suddenly the scapegoats?” Rooney asked. | Daily Mail