Derby County players want Wayne Rooney to be given the manager's job.

The Daily Mail says Manchester United great Rooney has the support of Derby's players to become the club's full-time boss after impressing them during his four games at the helm.

The former England captain is unbeaten since he was promoted to lead Derby's interim coaching team last month, and the Rams are now only one point adrift of safety in the Championship after Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Brentford.

Yet until the proposed £60million takeover by Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan – a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour – is completed, Derby are unlikely to make a permanent appointment.

Players have welcomed the simplified playing style – Derby are now far harder to beat and move the ball more quickly from back to front – and are said to be enjoying training once again.

Rooney himself has stepped back from playing since becoming manager and is not taking part in sessions.