are facing competition from and AS Monaco for exciting Derby County prospect Malcolm Ebiowei this summer.
The 18-year-old is expected to leave the Rams during the transfer window after making his Championship debut last season during the club’s doomed attempt to avoid relegation after a 21-point deduction.
The teenager made 16 league appearances, 11 of which were starts, and scored one goal, in a win at Blackpool in April.
Ebiowei had spent time with and Rangers without making the cut, but his breakthrough under at Pride Park has seen him catch the eye of bigger clubs.
Transfer expert reports that Manchester United and Crystal Palace are leading the race for his signature, with French side AS Monaco also keen but the youngster prefers to move to a Premier League outfit.
Newcastle and Tottenham have also been linked with the striker, so he has plenty of options in front of him as he looks certain to leave Derby over the summer.
Speaking after 18-year-old impressed in 1-1 draw against Coventry in March, Rooney was full of praise for a player he has tipped to have an extremely bright future.
‘I thought he was excellent all game, best player on the pitch,’ said the Derby boss. ‘It was one of the best performances I have seen from a young player, consistently for 90 minutes, in a long time.
‘He deserved that because he has worked extremely hard. His attitude is incredible, he wants to learn and he is an exciting young player.
‘First of all, his attitude is very good. He has got an enormous amount of ability, he is brave, he will take the ball, he is not afraid to take players on, to get tackled, to make mistakes. So he has got a really bright future.’
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