Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has dismissed any potential winter exit amid rumours of left fullback Lee Buchanan’s Celtic move. The Hoops scout Mick Doherty was in attendance to monitor the youngster (as claimed by the Scottish Sun) last week, but the former Manchester United sensation is adamant to keep hold of his players in their battle for survival.
“None of my players are going anywhere. Obviously, we haven’t got enough players as it is. The way we are trying to play, they are the two most important players on the pitch, so none of my players will be leaving the club this transfer window unless it is to benefit them, whether it is a loan, but that can only happen if we are allowed to bring players in.”
Rooney told the Derby Telegraph when asked about the future of Buchanan as well as Nathan Byrne.
Meanwhile, the Celts were keen on Byrne as well during the summer window but opted for Josip Juranovic to bolster the right-back spot. The Croatian was supposed to replace Anthony Ralston down the wide but instead ended up featuring as a makeshift left-back due to the injury woe of Greg Taylor. Ange Postecoglou has tried an array of names on the left, however, none of Liam Scales, Adam Montgomery or Boli Bolingoli seems to have impressed the gaffer enough as the understudy to the Scotland international.
Why It’s Difficult For Celtic To Tie Down Buchanan In January
The Rams, on the other hand, are struggling in the Championship standings. They have endured a 12-point deduction after entering administration a couple of months ago, and also might undergo another 9-point penalty (under consideration till date) if they are charged for FFP irregularities. The transfer embargo enforced by EFL has jeopardised their future in the second tier of the English pyramid and Rooney, therefore, is desperate to retain the current set of players with 6 points behind safety upon completion of gameweek 14.
