Derby County's off field struggles have been well documented this season, however there are a few on field issues that need to be addressed with the January transfer window in mind. 

The Rams are currently relying on the central defensive pairing of Curtis Davies and Phil Jagielka, with the experienced duo having a combined age of 75.

Indeed the veterans have performed well for a Derby side that is seemingly doomed to suffer releagtion to Sky Bet League One after incurring a points deduction for their various financial mismanagements.

However with takeover talks ongoing there is potentially some hope on the horizon for the club's manager, Wayne Rooney, with the former Manchester United and England striker recently suggesting that he is already putting plans in place for the winter window.

One name who could well be on his list of targets is a player who plies his trade for the Red Devils - Teden Mengi.

The teenager previously impressed as part of the Derby backline which narrowly avoided releagtion last season, with the centre back playing a total of nine games after arriving on loan.

It now appears that he could be set for a similar move, with Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic seemingly confirming recently on Twitter that Mengi is set to be loaned out:

This could mean that a reunion with the Rams and Rooney is on the cards, particularly as the Midlands club are only able to bring in loanees on short term deals along with free agents at present.

Richard Stearman is the only real senior back up to both Davies and Jagielka, with the former Wolves man also coming in at the age of 34.

Bringing in Mengi would add more youth to the backline and allow Rooney to rest some of his key veterans, who have been almost ever present this term.

Add to the fact that the United youngster is capable of filling in at either left or right back when required and its fair to say that the Rams would be bringing back a player that could solve a lot of issues for them.

They may well already be consigned to the grim realities of relegation but Derby would surely welcome this teenager back with open arms as they aim to make a fight of what is left of the season and continue to help Mengi along his development pathway outside of the confines of under-23 football at Old Trafford.