Stay of execution for Derby

DERBY may be granted a stay of execution that will allow them to continue to compete in the Championship, despite the threat of liquidation.

The EFL had indicated Derby’s administrators Quantuma, who have yet to name a preferred bidder, would have to prove by next Tuesday that they had the funds required — believed to be about £5million — to complete the season, or risk expulsion from the league.

Yet if Quantuma can show clear evidence of progress this week, it is unlikely Derby would face the ultimate sanction, even if a preferred bidder were not yet in place. Talks are continuing between the EFL and administrators, with three parties showing an interest.

One of those is believed to be former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley, with another fronted by former Derby chairman Andy Appleby and a third from US investors Adam and Colin Binnie, who offered £28m for the club last Friday.

Derby, managed by Wayne Rooney, have been docked 21 points this season — 12 for entering administration in September and nine more for breaking spending rules — which has left them eight points adrift of safety.

They face Birmingham at Pride Park on Sunday in what is likely to be an emotional affair, regardless of the events of this week. And they may be without captain Tom Lawrence, who is attracting interest from promotion-chasing Bournemouth.

The influential forward has scored eight goals this season and could become the third senior player to leave after Phil Jagielka, who joined Stoke, and Graeme Shinnie, who signed for Wigan.