Wayne Rooney admits it is ‘very unlikely’ that Derby will sign Amad Diallo from Manchester United despite reports linking the Championship club with a loan move for the winger.
Diallo is expected to leave the Red Devils this month in search of regular first-team football, having seen a loan move to Feyenoord collapse in the summer after the 19-year-old suffered an injury in training.
Derby are one of a number of sides to have been linked with a loan move for Diallo as Rooney looks for additions this month, with the Rams seeking a miraculous escape from relegation in the second tier after being deducted 21 points this season.
Rooney has admitted that Diallo is a talent he admires but has doubted whether the second-tier side will be able to complete a loan swoop for the Ivorian.
“He’s a Manchester United player and obviously he’s a player of interest to a few other clubs, I know that,” he told a press conference on Thursday.
“I obviously keep close tabs on some of the young emerging talent, not just from Manchester United but from other clubs.
“There’s various players we’re looking at in terms of what players we can bring in to improve the squad and give us the best chance of staying up.
“He’s a player who of course I like him. If you’re asking me if he’s going to be with us at some point in January then that’s very unlikely.”
Barnsley and Birmingham City have also been linked.
