Phil Jagielka Everton
Three former Sheffield United players are currently in limbo as they wait for answers over their Derby County futures. Phil Jagielka, Richard Stearman and Ravel Morrison are all on trial trying to earn a new deal. The trio featured in Sunday’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Rooney’s former club Man United. Both Jagielka and Morrison started and lasted 61 minutes, while Stearman came off the bench for the second half. However, they are yet to find out if their immediate futures are at Pride Park. Derby are currently under a transfer embargo by the EFL, which requires a fresh set of accounts to be submitted over ongoing financial issues. However, Rooney admits he is frustrated and cannot do anything about his trialists at the minute due to their EFL transfer sanctions.
Wayne Rooney said: “I just want a team to put out on the first day of the season. Something has to happen. If you look at my squad, if nothing changes I have not got one centre-back. In order for us to compete in this league, something has to change. I am constantly trying to get answers but I am still not getting what I want and what the club wants. I am truthfully not 100 per cent sure of the ins and outs. I will do my best for this football club but I need help and support. I believe that support will come. I could do with it now.”
Derby are one of the early visitors to Bramall Lane, arriving on on September 25.
