Wayne Rooney has confirmed he is ready to retire as a player if installed as Derby’s full-time manager by the club’s prospective new owners.
Rooney will take sole charge of the club for Saturday’s home game against Wycombe having been been part of an interim coaching quartet of Liam Rosenior, Shay Given and Justin Walker.
The Rams sacked Phillip Cocu earlier this month after they had won only one of their first 11 games and they have since lost their last two matches.
Former England boss McClaren, 59, who has had two spells as Derby manager, returned to Pride Park following an agreement between current owner Mel Morris and Derventio Holdings, who are owned by Sheikh Khaled.
Rooney added: “We’ve spoken to Steve every day since he’s been in. He was part of that conversation. The decision has been made and we just have to look forward.
“We have to solely focus on tomorrow’s game and then of course the new owners will be in.
“I’m sure it will be done in the next few days. Once that is complete, there will be conversations and we’ll see where that goes.”
Rooney, 35, has yet to gain his full set of coaching badges, but is making progress on gaining his A licence.
