Kirchner and Derby left in limbo by EFL

THE EFL fell short of approving US businessman Chris Kirchner’s proposed takeover of Derby yesterday as uncertainty over the crisis club continues to grow. A meeting about Kirchner’s deal was held by the EFL, with the expectation of giving the bid the go-ahead. But it ended without a definitive resolution to leave Derby and Kirchner, who was confident of receiving the green light yesterday, in limbo. The main issue remains the ownership of Pride Park. Kirchner is not offering to buy the stadium, — currently owned by the club’s former owner Mel Morris — and hopes the local council can strike a deal for the ground. Sportsmail understands there are also concerns about the guaranteed funding on offer, and Kirchner’s links to cryptocurrency have also raised some alarm. If the EFL decide the proposals are not up to scratch, former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is waiting in the wings to pounce. Kirchner’s exclusivity period to buy Derby ends tomorrow. An EFL statement last night read: ‘Evidence of source and sufficiency of funding has now been provided but there still remain a number of outstanding challenges to be resolved.’