Wayne Rooney leading players in a fight against 50 PER CENT wage deferral scheme at Derby during coronavirus crisis

WAYNE ROONEY is leading a players’ fight against a 50 per cent wage deferral at Derby County.

The Rams board wanted their squad to go without half of their salaries from next week with an arrangement to pay them back as soon as possible.

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But it is understood that the PFA told the Derby players to reject the club’s proposal and negotiate a smaller referral of around 25 per cent.

SunSport understands that England legend Rooney has been nominated as the senior person in the dressing room to lead the players’ negotiations with club CEO Stephen Pearce.

And the former Manchester United and Everton star is even said to be keeping players informed in a WhatsApp group of the progress.

Boss Phillip Cocu and his backroom staff have already agreed deferrals but Pride Park bigwigs are keen to get a deal struck before the April 30 pay-run.

However, it is understood the players want to see Derby’s club accounts before deciding how much they are willing to defer.

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Rooney has already stated he would be willing to take a pay-cut – never mind a deferral – earlier this month.

He said: “The first thing to say is that if Derby County needed me to take a pay cut to save the club I would understand and look to support them in whatever way I could.”

A Rams spokesman last night told SunSport: “Given that the talks are live and it’s an ongoing process, there’s no comment from us at this stage.”