Wayne Rooney has helped Liverpool and Chelsea with shrewd transfer business

Chelsea have signed defender Dylan Williams from Derby County for an undisclosed fee.

And the left-back, 18, isn't the first talented youngster to leave the Championship club, who are currently in administration and at risk of liquidation.

This time last year, Liverpool lured winger Kaide Gordon the Anfield. The talent, who turned 17 in October, has since made his Premier League debut and scored in the FA Cup.

Despite losing Williams and Gordon from his squad, Derby manager Wayne Rooney is happy to see them join two of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Around the time the pair were born, Rooney was bursting on to the scene - later becoming one of the greatest English players of his generation.

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And the former England captain understands the need to join a bigger club... just like he did in 2004, when he left Everton for Manchester United.

"It is one where I felt I couldn't deny him the opportunity, so that is my decision, not an administrator's decision," said Rooney when asked about Williams' move.

"It was my decision after speaking to the player, I felt I couldn't deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League.

"I actually don't know what the fee is, that has been agreed between the other club and the administrators.

"I took control of it and said I wanted to speak to the player and see what his feelings are, and it is a massive opportunity for the player, which I understand.

"Hence the fact I was happy for him to leave the club for a new venture somewhere else."

Williams, who made his professional debut against Chorley in January 2021, has featured eight times in all competitions this season.

"Everyone at Derby County would like to wish Dylan every success in the next chapter of his career at Chelsea and in the future," read a statement on the club's website.

As well as offering Williams his best wishes, Rooney also offered words of encouragement to Gordon when he joined Liverpool.

"Kaide is fantastic player," said the Derby manager in January 2021. "I brought him into the first team squad because he was showing the qualities I want.

"We offered him a deal which he didn't take. As always when a player doesn't sign up, if any of the big clubs in the Premier League come in, it is very difficult to deny the player that opportunity.

"There has been an offer for Kaide since before I have been in this role. He hasn't signed it for whatever reasons. Liverpool have become aware of that and stepped in.

"Once a team like Liverpool come in for one of your players it is hard to turn that down. For his development of course I would have liked him to stay at the club.

"But I understand once the champions of England come in and want to sign you, it is difficult to turn it down."

It's questionable, however, whether either Chelsea or Liverpool would've been interested in the Williams and Gordon respectively if Rooney hadn't given them a chance.

The Derby boss nurtured both youngsters before selling them on, giving them a great opportunity of following in his footsteps in the Premier League.

Both Chelsea and Liverpool will be thankful of Rooney's work, yet he'll be more concerned with Derby's situation.

The East Midlands side are currently 23rd in the Championship - eight points from safety - after being deducted 21 points due to their financial woes.

More importantly, though, the club could be liquidated if they don't find a buyer in the near future.

The sale of Williams has bought Derby a little bit more time... but the clock is still ticking at Pride Park.