Derby owner confirms Rooney deal is almost done

Derby County owner Mel Morris has admitted he is confident Wayne Rooney will join the club as player-coach.

Rooney has been linked with a possible player-coach role at Pride Park - where his former England team-mate Frank Lampard was given his first opportunity in management last year.

"It has literally been a couple of days in the offing," Morris told TalkSPORT. "The starting point was we understood Wayne was keen to return to UK. We looked to see if we could do anything on the back of it.

"The key thing has been the conversations with Cocu, they were integral to the interest Wayne has.

"It isn't done until it is done. We are focused and keen to get it over the line this morning.

"I'm sure once people hear news it has broken there will inevitably be interest on the back of that. I am confident we will sort it out.

"Why wouldn't we want a player with his background and playing career. He has demonstrated his leadership qualities over in the USA. Cocu is as excited as I am."