Wayne Rooney believes that Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei has a "really bright future" ahead of himself amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.
According to a Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, United, who will get their pre-season preparations underway in a fortnight's time, and Crystal Palace are 'leading the race' to sign the highly-rated 18-year-old. He burst onto the scene this season after Rams boss Rooney was left with no choice but to blood several youngsters into the first-team picture at Pride Park.
Derby, whose future remains in serious doubt as they search for a new owner, were relegated from the Championship this season after being handed a 21-point deduction. Despite dropping down to League One, several youngsters made names for themselves upon their graduation to the first-team, with Ebiowei, who plays predominantly as a right-winger, often catching the eye.
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Making 16 Championship appearances, the former Arsenal and Rangers academy star netted one goal and grabbed two assists. He also produced an array of eye-catching performances that earned regular praise from the Derby supporters and Rooney.
And it was after Derby's 1-1 draw with Coventry City in March when Rooney heaped the most praise on the youngster. He waxed lyrical about a wide range of his qualities, including his attitude.
"I thought he was excellent all game, the best player on the pitch," said Rooney. "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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