Wayne Rooney is keen to offer a contract to Phil Jagielka after his release from Sheffield United. The Blades legend has been training with the Rams and playing in pre-season in a bid to earn himself a deal. Despite being 38 years old, Jagielka has impressed Rooney, who is desperate to add more players to his incredibly threadbare squad. The EFL are allowing Derby to add four more players to take their squad up to 23 players of ‘professional standing’, which is a player who has played a game in the League, the EFL Cup or the FA Cup. However, Rooney can only sign free agents on year-long contracts and loan players on six-month deals, and on limited wages, due to their current transfer embargo. Jagielka is one of those hopefully of earning a contract and Rooney all but confirmed he wants to agree on a deal.
Wayne Rooney said: “Obviously (he’ll bring) experience. Jags I know, and I played with him for both club and country. I know what he brings and I am sure you saw against Salford, I don’t think he lost a header. He is a fantastic player and he’s still got a little life in him yet! I know exactly the players I want to bring in, the players know that and if I am being honest I want to bring all of the players in who are here.”
Jagielka is one of nine free agents training with the Rams. Ravel Morrison, Richard Stearman, Sone Aluko, Sam Baldock, Tom Carroll, Ryan Allsop, Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom are also trying to impress. Derby are one of the early visitors to Bramall Lane, arriving on September 25.
