WAYNE ROONEY wants to bring his big pal Phil Bardsley to Derby — if the club is saved from relegation.
Boss Rooney and his former Manchester United team-mate are very close.
2
2
And he will be in for the defender, 36, when his Burnley contract ends.
Bardsley infamously decked Roo during a boxing bout in the ex-striker’s kitchen.
Rooney hopes American Chris Kirchner takes over the Rams and allows him to make fresh signings next season.
Derby gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm on Friday with a 2-1 win over probable champs Fulham.
Rams fans are now keeping their fingers crossed for a dream scenario where they beat the drop.
And with Kirchner’s backing, Derby could yet go into next season as a fully-fledged Championship outfit with Rooney at the helm.
Indeed, Kirchner is confident Rooney wants to stay put regardless of which league the Rams will be playing in.
The American was picked by administrators ahead of former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
The takeover has yet to go through.
But Kirchner believes he and Rooney can build something special together.
He tweeted: “Rooney told me he’s staying. We’re going to do this together. Excited to rebuild this with him.”