Derby County are unlikely to appoint Rafael Benitez as their new manager according to a report from Derbyshire Live. 

Benitez has been rumoured to be one of the candidates to take charge at the Championship, club, who have struggled for positive results this term.

Benitez is currently in charge of Chinese club Dalian Professional, and has been with them since 2019.

Derby are searching for a new manager after parting company with Phillip Cocu during the international break after a disappointing start to this year's campaign.

The Rams are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, and have only won once in their opening 11 matches of the 2020/21 season.

They're two points adrift of safety, so the new manager will have it all to do when they're appointed by the club, as they look to fire themselves up the second-tier standings this term.

Derbyshire Live's report is backed up by Chronicle Live's Mark Douglas as well, with it seeming increasingly unlikely that Benitez will be appointed as Derby's new manager.

Wayne Rooney is joined by Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker in interim charge of Derby, although it remains to be seen as to whether any of them are in contention for the job on a permanent basis.

The Rams are set to return to action this weekend, when they take on promotion-chasing Bristol City, in what is certain to be a tricky test against the Robins at Ashton Gate.

Can you score full marks on this 20-question Derby County quiz? 

The Verdict:

I just can't see him arriving at Derby anytime soon.

Benitez could arguably be managing in the Premier League as he's that good of a manager, and I would have been surprised to see him move to Derby this term.

The Rams need to find a proven Championship manager to succeed Phillip Cocu though, otherwise I can see them being in real danger of being relegated into League One this season.

Only time will tell as to who emerges as the frontrunner to be appointed, but I can't see Benitez being willing to drop into the Championship once again.