WAYNE ROONEY faces competition from John Terry to land the manager’s job at Derby with the club’s potential new owners impressed by the Chelsea legend, according to reports.
England’s all-time record goal-scorer Rooney, 35, is currently sole interim boss of the Rams following Phillip Cocu’s sacking.
The former Manchester United star joined Derby as a player-coach in August.
And despite Rooney saying he is ready to retire from playing football if he’s offered the Derby boss’ job full-time, the club’s potential new owners are keen on Terry, according to the Daily Mail.
Championship basement-boys Derby are close to be taken over by Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan – a senior member of the Abu Dhabi royal family – in a £60million deal.
And it’s believed he is keen to bring in current Aston Villa No2 Terry – who has never served as head coach.
But for now, Rooney will continue to serve as head coach after leading his side to a 1-1 draw at home to Wycombe at the weekend.
Ahead of the game, when asked if he could hang up his boots, Rooney revealed: “That possibility is there, of course.
“As I have stated I want to do this job and I want to go into management.
“If I manage the team long-term I do not feel it is possible to manage and play.
“If I’m not managing the team I will continue to play.
“But if I’m asked to manage the team on a full-time basis that will be the end of my playing days.
“The new owners are not yet here [but they are] days away from finalising so I have to focus on the team.
“I’m sure in the near future I’ll be able to answer these questions better.
“Management is what I want to do and what I see myself doing.
“We are all doing what we can to help Derby get out of this mess.”
