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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Amie Wilson & Tom Pegden

Doubts grow over future of Derby County


Concerns have been growing about the ability of Derby County to keep trading in light of the legal actions hanging over the club.

One of the parties interested in buying the Rams out of administration has indicated growing frustration at the obstacles in the way.

The club has been given until the end of this month to prove it can keep paying its bills as both Wycombe Wanderers and Middlesbrough make claims for millions against it.

Three groups are said to have put bids in for the club with the Binnie brothers, former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and a consortium involving former Derby chairman Andy Appleby all reportedly interested.

However, BBC Sport now reports that one of the potential buyers, the Binnie family, are growing “frustrated” at the lack of progress.

The report said the interested party was showing an “increasing concern” that the actions are “driving Derby toward liquidation”.

It adds that the family’s intention is to work with both the club’s administrators and EFL to reach a conclusion to the situation, but is “reluctant” to commit to a combined £7 million out-of-court settlement to the two clubs, adding effectively 10 percent to the price paid for Derby and Pride Park Stadium.

The family are also said to be “not prepared to take the risk of losing in court”.

A formal offer of £28 million is reported to have been submitted by the brothers, but that bid does not include the purchase of the stadium.

The precarious financial situation at the club has led to players leaving in the final days of the transfer window.

Young forward Luke Plange completed a deadline day move to Premier League side Crystal Palace, but has returned to the Rams on loan for the remainder of the season, while 16-year-old forward Omari Kellyman is set to join Aston Villa after a reported compensation fee of £500,000 was agreed.

Wayne Rooney’s side sit one place above bottom in the Championship table, having been deducted a total of 21 points earlier in the campaign.

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