Wayne Rooney has claimed it’s not his job to comment when asked about Derby County’s reported interest in Manchester United defender Phil Jones, Express report.
The 35-year-old has taken over Derby managerial duties on an interim basis.
The Rams are in the midst of a takeover, and Rooney can be confident of landing the manager’s job full-time after guiding the team to a six-game unbeaten run.
Derby, however, remain in the bottom three and January is an important month.
A report in the Daily Star last week claimed Derby, West Bromwich Albion and Burnley are all keen on a loan deal for Phil Jones following his United exclusion.
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But when asked to comment, Rooney refused to be drawn on the rumours.
“Phil Jones is a Manchester United player and it is not my job to really speak on him.”
Jones hasn’t featured for United since earlier this calendar year.
The former Blackburn Rovers defender didn’t make United’s 25-man squad for this season. He is out of favour at Old Trafford, and in need of a fresh start elsewhere.
Derby could target a new central defender in the January transfer window.
While a striker is seemingly a top priority, the injury to Curtis Davies and Mike te Wierik’s absence leaves the Rams short on centre-back options going forward.
Jones has an abundance of ability. However, his reported salary of around £100,000 per week may pose a problem for clubs looking to secure a loan deal.
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Also see: Report: PL ace now available for January move after Derby and Preston approaches