Wayne Rooney has revealed that he already knows what players he would like to sign at Derby County following their relegation to League One yesterday, in conversation with Derbyshire Live. 

In what was a year full of chaos for the football club, Rooney has certainly done a good job at Pride Park.

Without the 21-point deduction, the Rams would currently be in 17th place, with their safety already confirmed. 

However, Rooney will now be targeting an immediate return to England's second-tier. 

Speaking to Derbyshire Live about his summer transfer plans at Pride Park, Rooney said: "I know teams and agents speak to players, I know Premier League teams are looking at some of my younger players, top clubs in the Championship are looking at some of the younger players.

"I need to be able to give them something, offer them something to stay because we have really got a good foundation. I need to be able to add to the squad.

"I know we are in League One, I know what players I want to bring in. I need to really get that moving to make sure we have the best chance of coming straight back up.

"I need to be able to bring the right personnel in to make sure we start moving this club forward again.

"I am excited to get my teeth into it, and bring in the players I want to bring in, try and develop them and try and be a successful team again."

The verdict 

Dropping down to the third-tier gives Derby a real chance to rebuild, and with Rooney in charge, exciting times could immediately be ahead for the Rams. 

Given the youthful talent within the Derby squad, clubs from the top two divisions will be casting their eyes over the squad. 

It is going to be a testing summer for the Rams, however, it is one that has the potential to set the club up well for the 2022/23 League One campaign. 

Derby found themselves in a similar position last time out, where they barely had any contracted players, but they managed to put together a squad that has competed well in the Championship.