Wayne Rooney is not in contention to take over as Derby manager on a permanent basis, although Eddie Howe is among those in the running for the role, a report from The Daily Mail has claimed.

Derby are looking for a new manager following the sacking of Phillip Cocu on Saturday night, and Rooney is part of the senior coaching team currently in interim charge of the club, along with Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker.

However, it appears that the Manchester United legend - who is still part of Derby's playing squad - will not be taking over in the Pride Park hotseat.

According to the latest reports, Rooney does not fill the criteria the Rams are looking for in the search for Cocu's successor, with a currently available manager, who has experience of winning promotion from the Championship and with a reputation for developing young talent said to be what the club is looking for.

As a result, it is thought that Howe, who has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season, is on Derby's shortlist.

Along with Howe, former Chelsea and West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo, ex-Reading boss Brian McDermott, and former Southampton manager Nigel Adkins, are reportedly under consideration for the role.

Currently, Derby sit bottom of the Championship table, with just six points from 11 games to their name so far this season.

The Rams are next in action when they travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City on Saturday afternoon, a game in which Rooney and co. are expected to take charge of first-team affairs.

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The Verdict

I think this is a sensible decision for Derby to take with regards to Rooney's candidacy for the role.

It does seem as though the England legend will move into management at some point, but given the Rams' current precarious position, it would be a risky move for them to give the job to someone with as little experience as him.

As for the other candidates, it is no surprise to see that Howe is among the frontrunners for the role given the work he did at Bournemouth, and you imagine he would be a popular choice.

There are however, some other interesting names seemingly in contention, although with Di Matteo and McDermott in particular having been out of work for some time, you have to feel that Howe could be the most sensible option of the four for Derby, if they can convince him to make the move to Pride Park.