EFL step in to save Derby

EFL bosses have pledged to assume greater control of Derby’s fight for survival amid fears the club will be unable to begin their League one campaign next month.

In a show of no- confidence in administrators Quantuma, the EFL said in a statement last night that they would now be negotiating more directly with bidders for Derby, who are managed by Wayne Rooney.

The League one fixtures are due to be announced a week on Thursday and the EFL hope that by intervening now they can accelerate the process, with doubts about how the Rams will continue to be funded if the current situation persists.

The statement said: ‘The League is increasingly concerned that the ongoing delays in the sale process now present a real risk to the integrity of next season’s competition, and need to act now in the best interests of the EFL.

‘The EFL is now to be made a party to all correspondence and discussions between the administrators, and any potential bidders, with an acknowledgment that the league will be able to negotiate directly in matters concerning the transfer of the share in the EFL.’

Former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley remains interested in buying the club and has the funds to finalise the transaction.

Derby have been in administration since September and remain unsold after uS businessman Chris Kirchner — named preferred bidder in April — missed two deadlines to complete his takeover.