Wayne Rooney is hoping for a face-to-face meeting with American investor Chris Kirchner to discuss plans for moving forward with the club. 

Kirchner was named as the preferred bidder last week after months of uncertainty with the American looking to complete a takeover.

The 34-year-old was first interested in buying the club before Christmas, before pulling out and turning his attentions towards Preston. That however fell through, with Kirchner coming back to the table with Derby.

The investor is due to fly out to the Midlands and will be in attendance at the home game against Fulham next Friday, with Rooney hoping to speak to the potential new owner when arrives.

On the potential meeting, Rooney told Derbyshire Live: "I have been in contact with him on the phone but it is always better when you sit down face to face and really go through the ideas we both have to move this club forward."

"There is a lot of work which needs to be done to rebuild the club in terms of players coming in, staff coming in.

"So we have to really sit down and see what his ambitions are for the club for next season, whatever division we are in, and rebuild the club."

Derby's relegation fears grew after their defeat to Swansea on Saturday left them nine points adrift of safety with five games left to play.

The Verdict

Rooney is right to ask the questions and he's played the media incredibly well over the last seven months.

On the pitch, things have slowed down but a contributing factor to that is the lack of investment and recruitment in playing staff. The club has been over reliant on youngsters which is starting to tell.

Ensuring the club has a plan for when the new owner is vital to the immediate future of the club if they are to be relegated to League One.

Rooney has also impressed from a managerial perspective, so if Kirchner can convince him to stay on even if relegation is confirmed with this meeting, that could be a major boost for Derby as well.