Wayne Rooney reveals he was inquiring about a loan move for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe when he first became Derby boss

Wayne Rooney has revealed he was inquiring about a loan move for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe when he first became Derby boss.

Smith Rowe is now a full member of the Gunners first-team and also an England international who was called up by Gareth Southgate earlier this season.

But according to Rooney, he could have been on the Rams’ books and played in the Championship during the 2020-21 season.

“Yes, I am (a fan),” Rooney said on Sky Sports. “I think he’s a fantastic young player.

“When I first came on as Derby manager he was actually a player I had inquired about trying to loan out.”

Smith Rowe played for Huddersfield in the second division the previous season, recording two goals and three assists in 19 games.

He started to show his quality in that loan spell and has continued to do so ever since, playing for Arsenal in the Premier League on a number of occasions.

Rooney continued his praise for the 21-year-old, making an interesting comparison between Smith Rowe and a former Liverpool midfielder.

“He can take the ball with both feet, he can score goals, create goals. I really like him and I think he has a bright future,” added Rooney.

“I think he’s very similar to Adam Lallana in that he runs with the ball and with both feet.

“He makes good runs to get behind. He has an eye for goal. I really like him.”