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Wayne Rooney is no Derby County shoo-in to replace sacked Phillip Cocu as the Rams research replacement amid prospective takeover by Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour's cousin

Wayne Rooney has the backing of the Derby players to be the club’s new manager, but he is far from certain to be Phillip Cocu’s long-term successor.

The former England captain is part of a four-strong team currently in charge following Cocu’s sacking at the weekend.

Prospective new owner Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan — a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour — is expected to complete his £60million takeover in the coming days.

Wayne Rooney (above)'s appointment as Derby County manager is far from certain to happen
Rooney (left) is widely-regarded to replace sacked boss Philipp Cocu (right) at the Rams

Liam Rosenior, who holds all the required coaching qualifications, will lead Monday’s training session alongside Rooney, goalkeeping coach Shay Given and academy boss Justin Walker.