CHERRIES' reported pursuit of Tom Lawrence has been dealt another blow, with Derby boss Wayne Rooney claiming that he has been told his captain will not leave this window.

Rooney's comments come fresh off the back of a claim by the Daily Mirror that an initial Cherries' bid of £250,000 had been rejected - with the Rams holding out for £500,000 paid upfront.

Whilst the former England star did not outright deny claims of bids from any sides, he remained adamant that Lawrence was set to stay in Derbyshire.

He said during his press conference: "The administrators have said to me that any players leaving will go through me.

"I don't know if there has been a bid, but they've reassured me Tom Lawrence won't be leaving.

"He's captain of this club and is having a fantastic season."

Derby have recently been given an extension until the end of February to provide proof they can source the funds to finish this season.

If reports are true that Lawrence's contract expires in the summer, Cherries can approach the Welsh international with pre-contract terms on February 1.

Despite the fact that Lawrence is apparently among Derby's highest earners, many connected with the club feel that Derby's only chances of staying up involve keeping the 28-year-old at Pride Park.

Rooney went on to speak about the general situation at the club, stating: "The important thing is the club needs sorting out and if that takes another month, so be it.

"The administrators have spoken to MPs and the EFL, and I think sensible conversations need to be had to find a solution."

Derby's boss has also been linked with a return to boyhood club Everton as manager, but Rooney stated he was focused on keeping Derby up.

"Everton approached my agent and asked me to interview for the job.

"(I) Turned (it) down. I believe I will be a Premier League manager and am ready for that 100 per cent.

"But I have a job at Derby, which is important to me."