The long-awaited takeover moves into final stages
THE takeover of Derby County is on the verge of being completed, the Derby Telegraph understands.
It is now two months since the club announced that a deal had been agreed in principle to sell to Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited, whose ultimate controlling entity is Bin Zayed International LLC, owned by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan.
In December, the club and Bin Zayed International issued a joint statement assuring supporters that the takeover was “on track” with a view to completion before Christmas.
That did not happen but the message from the club on Christmas Eve said the delay was nothing to be concerned about.
Fans have become increasingly frustrated by the delay but sources said this weekend that the deal is done and all closing conditions have been satisfied and met.
As soon as the funds arrive with the lawyers the deal will close completely – and the funds have been sent, it is understood.
Some of the players and senior staff have not been paid for December. As soon as the deal closes, the money will be in place to pay those wages.
Wayne Rooney, who has been interim boss for nine League games, is set to be named manager once the takeover goes through.
The club can then press on with signing new players in the January transfer window, which has not been possible while the takeover has been pending.
Derby County are reportedly ready to join the race for Doncaster Rovers captain Ben Whiteman.
The Rams were linked with the 24-year-old this time last year and now The Athletic say they are monitoring the player, along with Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.
Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers have reportedly already had bids rejected for Whiteman, who has scored eight goals from midfield this season for the League One side.
Rovers boss and former Rams defender Darren Moore is understandably reluctant lose him but admits there have been two bids for the former Sheffield United man.
“Truth be told, we feel that Ben is
part of the group,” Moore told the Doncaster Free Press.
“He’s a Doncaster Rovers player and (as long as) he is, we’ll maintain to work with him as best as we can.
“There are parts of his game that he’s added to which, from our point of view, when we spoke in pre-season about it, it’s good to see.
“With those parts of his game that he has improved on, it’s probably why the interest is there. It’s great for Ben and it’s great for the clubW.
“While the interest is out there, I don’t focus on it too much because he’s still our player and I won’t focus on it until told otherwise.
“He’s trained as normal and he’s cracked on as normal. So, onwards.”