New doubts cast over proposed takeover
FRESH doubts emerged last night about the proposed takeover of Derby County, with reports suggesting the club are looking for other investors as their cash fears grow.
The Rams are still waiting for the takeover by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Bin Saquer Zayed Al Nayhan’s Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited to be completed.
Derby were unable to pay some players their full salaries in December.
Last night, Sky Sports reporter David Craig said Derby are now considering other options in their bid to attract much-needed investment.
“I do understand the club is actively looking for other investors at this moment in time,” he said.
“Whether they be short-term investors or long-term investors with the aim of taking over the football club, that’s not quite clear at this moment in time.
“There is some belief here that Sheikh Khaled could still complete the deal but we have to remember that was also the case at Newcastle United in 2019.
“The same investment group tried to buy them and it did not come to any fruition.
“They do need money. They do need to pay the outstanding wage bill and until they can do that they can’t bring any players in on loan or sign any players.
“One other way of doing it is selling some of the young talent here. Kaide Gordon starts on the bench and I’m told by many he is the best 16-year-old in the country.”
The news came on the same day that Manchester City were reportedly “angered” at Derby for halting their bid to sign Scott Carson on a permanent contract, amid claims the Rams want to collect his loan fee this month to help pay overdue wages to their players.
The Daily Mail claims that Pep Guardiola is eager to sign Carson on an 18-month deal, having been on loan at the Etihad Stadium for the last two seasons.
It is claimed that Derby are paid £500,000 twice a year to cover his wages and loan fee but City are eager to wrap up a free transfer for the veteran stopper.
But the Rams are said to be unwilling to sanction his departure because the £500,000 they are due to receive this month will be used to help pay the wages of other Rams players who were not paid their salaries in full last month. Several players are still owed the remainder of their wages and the Mail reports that Carson is “aggrieved” at the decision as it could wreck his hopes of a longer-term deal with the former Premier League champions.