According to The Athletic, Derby County are likely to sign Manchester United defender Teden Mengi on another loan deal after preserving their Championship status.
Mengi joined Derby on loan on the final day of the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old made his debut for Derby at right-back in the victory at Wycombe Wanderers, before coming in to the middle to feature as a centre-back.
Mengi performed better in central defence alongside Andre Wisdom or Matt Clarke.
Manager Wayne Rooney called Mengi brilliant following Derby’s 0-0 draw at playoff semi-finalists Barnsley in March. However, injury later cut his season short.
Rooney later told reporters how he wants the United defender back next season.
And the latest from The Athletic say a deal is now likely. United were wating to see if Derby retained their Championship status which they secured on the final day of the season.
Mengi’s return would be a huge boost for Derby amid their threadbare squad.
The Rams recently published their retained list with only 14 senior players on the books.
Defenders George Edmundson and Matt Clarke have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells at Pride Park, while Andre Wisdom and Curtis Davies are out of contract.
Derby have offered new deals to Davies and Wisdom. But if both were to leave, Rooney’s top priority will be the signing of at least two new central defenders.
Also see: Report: Top-flight club agree to sign Derby talent despite Rams new contract offer
Also see: Report: Leicester ace now a free agent after previous £3m Derby bid, Championship trio keen