Rosenior targets 10 signings in Derby overhaul after sudden Rooney exit

Liam Rosenior has lined up TEN new signings at Derby County as part of his ambitious plans for the club.

They include Republic of Ireland midfielder Conor Hourihane, Tom Barkhuizen and James Chester and the trio will be a major statement as Derby prove they still have pulling power to lure players to League One.

Hourihane, who is set to leave Aston Villa, ex-Preston forward Barkhuizen and Stoke defender Chester are ready to commit to Derby because of Rosenior who is allaying any fears they would miss out on summer targets after Wayne Rooney 's departure.

Derby have made 37-year-old Rosenior interim boss after his impressive two-year stint working with Rooney despite the club's ownership and financial issues which led to them being docked 21 points and being relegated last season.

But now there is genuine optimism as Derby fan David Clowes, a wealthy property tycoon, has had a bid accepted to buy the club after Chris Kirchner's takeover fell through.

Derby also believe they will be able to renew key contracts including highly-experienced Curtis Davies who is a popular and influential figure on and off the pitch.

Derby have managed to put together a budget and proper plans to move forward with the EFL also ready to give the green light on the club making new signings.

They have fresh deals lined up to excite the fans and make a push for an immediate return to the Championship under Rosenior.

The budget will allow them to make up to ten signings and bolster the squad for the new season and all of their transfer targets fall within range.

Rosenior has gained a big reputation within the game after impressing as a coach and working with Rooney with the club going close to pulling off a miracle last season when they made a genuine push for survival despite the points deduction.

The ex-Brighton and Fulham defender is a hugely popular figure among the fans and clearly has major pulling power to be able to recruit big names to League One despite some of them being at Premier League clubs and playing in the Championship last season.

Despite the surprise of losing Rooney after his shock departure, Rosenior is determined to build with the new ownership and get Derby going again.