Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has confirmed Wayne Rooney has been at the club’s training ground after claims he was spotted was doing the rounds, RamsTV report.

Rooney signed an 18-month deal with Derby during the summer.

But the former England international opted to remain at DC United until their MLS season finished before making the move the Championship club in January.

(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images).

DC United recently exited the MLS playoffs after defeat to Canadian side Toronto.

As such, Rooney has seemingly taken advantage of the extra time ahead of his switch to Derby with Cocu explaining how the attacker is eager to get going.

He’s been around. We try to get some of his data from his former club to know how they trained. The intensity and the loads. He still has planned a short break and we are looking forward to working together and making a plan for him. He’s very eager to start working here so it’s good to hear.

Wayne Rooney’s arrival will lift spirits around Pride Park:

The optimism around Derby following confirmation of Rooney’s deal was huge.

Results in the Championship since, however, have dampened the mood and the off-field incident resulting in Richard Keogh’s sacking has caused a shock around Pride Park.

Rooney’s impending arrival should help lift the spirits. On the field, Derby have been desperate for a player of his quality as they struggle especially on the road.

The Rams have recorded just four Championship wins in 14 games so far.

(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images).

The side have seriously lacked creativity. Tom Lawrence, Duane Holmes and Kieran Dowell all rank outside the league’s top 60 players in average key passes per game.

Also see: ‘Thrown him to the wolves’: Pundit slams controversial Derby County decision

Also see: ‘Something unique going on’: Figure explains why he traded West Brom for Derby last summer

Have something to tell us about this article?