Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has suggested to The Athletic reporter Ryan Conway there is an agreement for Teden Mengi to stay on loan beyond the season.
Mengi joined Derby from Manchester United on loan in the January window.
The versatile defender made his first team debut at Wycombe Wanderers at right back, before starring in the middle of a three-man defence in the draw at Barnsley.
Mengi offers Derby the option of playing two or three central defenders.
And speaking to reporters after Derby’s victory over Luton Town, Rooney explains how he wants Mengi back at Pride Park for next season and it’s down to the defender.
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Mengi has made five Championship starts since joining in Derby.
The 18-year-old had only featured for United’s first-team sparingly, with the majority of his appearances coming at U23 level therefore a loan out made sense.
Derby enjoyed plenty of success with Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Harry Wilson joining in 2018/19, proving Pride Park is a good place for top clubs to send their best talents.
Rooney, meanwhile, will have to make the defence a top priority this summer.
Matt Clarke will return to Brighton and Hove Albion following his loan spell, while Andre Wisdom’s contract at Pride Park expires at the end of the season.
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