Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has confirmed the Rams' interest in signing Manchester United duo Teden Mengi and James Garner, as well as Manchester City striker Liam Delap.
The Championship side, who get their season under way against Huddersfield Town at Pride Park this afternoon, have experienced a summer to forget on almost every front possible, with off-field troubles having significantly impacted the club's current situation on the pitch.
Rooney, who took over as boss on a permanent basis back in mid-January, has been left with a very, very small pool of senior players to start the season with, meaning he is in desperate need to bolster his squad in a bid to help the club's expected fight against relegation.
Speaking ahead of today's season opener against Huddersfield, Rooney has now confirmed that the Rams are looking to bring players in and that Mengi, Garner and Delap are on his radar.
"Of course we have been doing our homework," Rooney told DerbyshireLive.
" Liam Delap is a player I really like. He has connections with Derby, he came through the Academy here.
"Whatever Manchester City are doing with Liam, we are on top of that also and with James Garner and Teden Mengi, different players from different clubs we are on top if it.
"Ultimately it is on those clubs to see us as a suitable club for their players to go to and develop, so we have to wait and see on those players."
Mengi is no stranger to Pride Park, making nine appearances for the Rams during a loan spell last season, whilst City youngster Delap, who has not featured at all in pre-season due to an injury, spent the bulk of his youth career with the club before making the move to the Etihad Stadium back in 2019.
Garner, meanwhile, has no shortage of Championship experience within his locker, spending time on loan at both Watford and Nottingham Forest last term. Although his time at Vicarage Road was not particularly successful, Forest boss Chris Hughton brought out the best in him, as he scored four goals in 20 appearances.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season United preview - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy!
