Wayne Rooney's Derby County deducted a further nine points

Wayne Rooney's Derby County have been deducted a further nine points for breaching EFL rules, which brings their total points sanction to 21 this season.

The Championship side's downhill spiral stemmed from entering financial difficulties and saw them punished with multiple points deductions.

This most recent deduction has been given to the club due to historic financial breaches committed by their former owner, Mel Morris.

Now, with 21 points taken off the club, the threat of relegation is all too real for fans and players.

At present, this leaves Derby with -3 points at the foot of the Championship table.

Rooney faces a huge battle as the Rams are now 18 points from safety after 17 games, with relegation to League One for the coming season looking increasingly likely.