Man Utd in transfer for ex-Arsenal star Rooney praised for "enormous ability"

Manchester United have entered the transfer race for one player that Wayne Rooney has already commended for his "enormous ability".

The Red Devils have been linked with several players ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to revamp their squad. With so many planned departures, there needs to be some money spent.

Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard are out of contract at the end of the season and will need replacing while Marcus Rashford, Dean Henderson and Eric Bailly could all leave as well. And Erik ten Hag wants to bring in some youth to freshen up the team and one player in particular is on his radar.

According to the Daily Mail, Derby starlet Malcolm Ebiowei is being looked at as a potential option - but United are not alone. Money-bags Newcastle are also interested while Tottenham and Crystal Palace have also been scouting the 18-year-old throughout the season.

While once upon a time, the Red Devils would have been able to blow their Premier League rivals out of the water, that might not be the case anymore after such a shocking season. The interim appointment of Ralf Rangnick did little to arrest their decline and they have finished sixth with their lowest-ever points tally in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, United are in the midst of a four-way battle for Ebiowei's signature, who has been a rare shining light at Pride Park after their relegation to League One this year. Rams boss Rooney has been full of praise for the youngster, who has also spent time at Arsenal's academy.

He said after one startling performance against Coventry: "He has got enormous ability. He's brave, he's not afraid to take players on, get tackled, and make mistakes. I thought he was excellent all game.

"He was the best player on the pitch. It is one of the best performances I have seen from a young player consistently for 90 minutes in a long time and he deserves that because he's worked so hard. His attitude is incredible and he's an exciting young player."

Ebiowei will see his contract expire next month and looks certain to leave Derby after his breakthrough campaign. The teenager has already played for England and Holland at youth level.

After spending the first-half of the season making mincemeat of defenders for Derbys Under-23s, Rooney promoted him to the first-team to offer a hand and has gone on to become a fine player. He has made 16 appearances in the Championship, scoring once and assisting twice.