Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has admitted youngster Kaide Gordon is heading to Liverpool.

The attacking midfielder played his first game for the senior side against Birmingham in December.

He is the fourth youngest to ever play for the Derby first team.

But now he could be on his way out, as he never signed a professional contract with the club.

Asked to confirm the upcoming move, Rooney told reporters: "It looks that way. Kaide is a fantastic player. I brought him into the squad because he was showing the qualities I want.

"We offered him a deal which he didn't take. As always when a player doesn't sign up, if any of the big clubs in the Premier League come in, it is very difficult to deny the player that opportunity.

"There has been an offer for Kaide [from Derby] since before I have been in this role. He hasn't signed it for whatever reason. Liverpool have become aware of that and stepped in.

"Once a team like Liverpool come in for one of your players it is hard to turn that down.

"For his development, of course I would have liked him to stay at the club, but I understand once the champions of England come in and want to sign you, it is difficult to turn it down."