The speculation merry-go-round goes ever faster
DERBY County takeover speculation continues to gather pace among the national media outlets, with four names linked to a move for the club over the weekend.
The stricken Rams are in administration after owner Mel Morris made the move three weeks ago, meaning Wayne Rooney’s side were plunged to the bottom of the Championship table after an automatic deduction of 12 points.
Derby are in debt with HM Revenue and Customs and American firm MSD Holdings and there is also the matter of the stadium, owned by Morris, being separate from the club to deal with.
Nonetheless, the club’s administrators Quantuma feel that a deal can be done and that liquidation, the worst case scenario, is not likely.
New reports in The Sun over the weekend have claimed that Marcus Evans, the former Ipswich Town owner, has registered a “firm” interest.
Evans has a net worth of around £786m, according to the 2021 edition of The Sunday Times Rich List.
A perhaps unexpected addition to the specualation was Jez Moxey, listed as a director of Burton Albion, who has been working as a non-executive director of the club.
Moxey has extensive experience in football, having held the position of chief executive of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City.
Mike Ashley, who has just sold Newcastle United, has been strongly linked, probably because his business, Sports Direct, has a base in Derbyshire.
The Mirror claims that he is keen on a quick return to football and he is reportedly worth around £3bn.
Carlisle Capital, an American business, have also been namechecked as a potential option.
Their interest apparently pre-dates the Rams’ administration.
On Friday, the club’s administrators spoke to supporters’ body Ramstrust.
They reported back: “Carl Jackson and Andrew Hosking confirmed that there are a considerable number of interested parties and they are still comfortable and confident a successful deal will be achieved to save the club.
“They are in constant dialogue with the EFL and remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached in the coming weeks to allow them to sell the club without ongoing uncertainty over league penalties.”
The BBC reported on Saturday that four parties had signed non-disclosure agreements with the club, signalling “serious intent.”
The Sun claims that a deal would cost any potential suitors around £25m to begin with.
Whoever takes over would need to have deep pockets.