ROSENIOR BOSS WITH TAKEOVER IMMINENT

Derby’s joint administrators have announced they have formally accepted David Clowes’ offer to buy the club.

The news came shortly after Liam Rosenior was named the Rams’ interim manager, having previously been assistant to Wayne Rooney, who stepped down as boss on Friday.

A statement from joint administrators Quantuma confirmed local property developer Clowes had been granted preferred bidder status, with the aim being to complete a takeover by Wednesday.

On Friday the joint administrators had announced Clowes Developments Ltd had purchased Pride Park, issued an interim loan to the club, and would be submitting a bid to buy them.

Clowes has emerged as the potential new owner after American businessman Chris Kirchner withdrew his offer to buy the club.

Derby were put into administration at the start of last season and subsequently relegated from the Sky Bet Championship after being hit with a combined 21-point deduction.

Rooney, having been in charge for a year and a half and on the back of leading a valiant fight against the drop, stepped down saying he felt “the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last 18 months”.

Meanwhile Crystal Palace have announced teenage winger Malcolm Ebiowei is to join them on a five-year deal from July 1 when his contract with the Rams runs out.

The 18-year-old was handed his Derby debut in February and ended up making 16 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship last term, with his first goal coming in April.

Prior to joining Derby in 2021, Ebiowei had youth spells with Arsenal and Rangers.