Derby County will be looking to have Phillip Cocu's permanent successor in the dugout at the earliest of opportunities, as the Rams continue to struggle.

They're currently rooted to the bottom of the Championship table, and now find themselves six points adrift of safety after their opening 13 matches of this year's campaign.

Liam Rosenior, Wayne Rooney, Shay Given and Justin Walker have been in charge of the first-team since Cocu was relieved of his duties.

But they haven't been able to turn the club's fortunes around, with the Rams being beaten 3-0 by Middlesbrough in their most recent fixture at the Riverside.

One man that was previously linked the managerial vacancy at Derby was former Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard is currently in charge of Chinese side Dalian Professional, but could be in line to return to English football with the Rams, although a number of other potential candidates are on Derby's wish-list.

But Derbyshire Live have poured cold water on any potential move for the 60-year-old, claiming that it is unlikely that the Championship side will make a move for Benitez.

Benitez has also previously spoken out on a potential move to Derby, and was keen to detract focus away from talk of him moving to the second-tier of English football.

"No, not really. I think it’s a big club and I have a lot of respect for them.

"But at the moment I am quite focused on trying to pass my quarantine here and enjoy it a little bit in England and then prepare for the next season.

"But you never know because football is changing and life is changing too much, but at the moment no."

So, it is highly unlikely that a move for Benitez will go through, and the Derby supporters will be keen to see their side appoint a new manager in the near future, as they look to pick up much-needed points heading towards the potentially season-defining festive period.

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