John Terry is in contention for the permanent Derby County manager’s job

John Terry is a contender to be the next Derby manager, with key figures among the club’s prospective new owners impressed by the former England captain.

Terry has never been a No 1, but there are those close to Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan — near to completing a £60million takeover of the bottom club in the Championship — who believe Terry would be able to revive Derby’s fortunes.

The 39-year-old is part of Dean Smith’s coaching staff at Aston Villa but is keen to move into management.

Aston Villa assistant John Terry is reportedly in contention for the permanent Derby job

Former England centre back Terry (left) was booked during Villa’s 2-1 defeat by West Ham

Derby are currently led by Wayne Rooney, who heads a four-man interim coaching team, in charge since the sacking of Phillip Cocu in November.

Rooney is keen to take the job permanently but is happy to return to playing if he misses out on the job.

‘I’ve told (the players) to still call me “Wazza” for the time being,’ he smiled. 

‘If I get the job on a long-term basis, they can call me what they want.’ 

Wayne Rooney is currently serving as Derby interim manager and is keen on the full-time job