Wayne Rooney is in talks about the prospect of an extraordinary return to English football with Derby County, Telegraph Sport can reveal.

The former Manchester United and England captain - who has been playing for DC United in Major League Soccer over the past year - is understood to be discussing the prospect of a player-coach role with the Championship club.

Derby appointed Phillip Cocu, the former Barcelona player, as manager last month on a four-year contract following Frank Lampard’s departure for Chelsea.

Mel Morris, the Derby owner, is now thought to be considering bringing another high-profile former England player in Rooney to the club to work and play under Cocu. Preliminary talks have taken place between Derby and Rooney’s agent, Paul Stretford, with further discussions planned. Both parties are hopeful of a deal being struck and Cocu, speaking after last night’s 2-1 win over Huddersfield, refused to deny Derby’s interest in the 33-year-old.

“At the moment I cannot say anything. We are working on completing the team and we said it was not complete yet,” he said. “It’s true we’re working to get the team done but I can’t say anything about names before things are done. We have a lot of players we think could be an asset for the team. You always try to get the best you can with the resources you have available at the club. There are a few more days, hopefully something can happen.”