In a troubled campaign, there appears to finally be a glimmer of hope for Derby County.
The administration-hit Rams have lurched from one crisis to another this season, both on and off-the-field. The biggest obstacle has been the handing down of two separate handicaps, totalling a 21-point deduction.
But with a number of important hurdles now set to be cleared, the path seems to be paved for a potential new owner of the Championship club.
Now though, a report claims that administrators at Derby want to make sure interested parties can put their money where their mouths are.
The Sun reports that administrators Quantuma want a large sum, thought to be around £5million, that will not be refunded.
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It is thought the cash injection will help keep the club running amid a lack of funds and weed out any time-wasters.
Quantuma are said to have money available from recent player sales and that these funds will be used to pay player and staff wages up until the end of March.
However, the EFL want to see there are funds for the whole campaign until May.
There are said to be three interested groups and Derby boss Wayne Rooney confirmed last week that administrators have written to them all, asking them to submit formal offers.
Speaking on Friday, Rooney said: "They [the administrators] have written to them. Hopefully out of the three groups someone comes through and comes into the club.
"We are all optimistic, hopefully it gets sorted. If that happens, great, and we all hope that is the case."
Derby’s co-administrator Andrew Hosking told Sky Sports last Thursday that he expects to announce a preferred bidder within seven to 10 days.
Former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is one of those thought to be in the running.
On the pitch, Rooney's side continue to make a mockery of the aforementioned points deduction.
Saturday saw them beat relegation rivals Peterborough United. Louie Sibley's stoppage-time winner secured a precious three points and lifted them above Posh on goal difference. Both sides were reduced to ten men.
It was also a continuation of fine form at Pride Park; Derby have taken 16 points from the last available 18 at home.
Speaking after the victory, which resulted in Darren Ferguson leaving his post as Peterborough boss, Rooney was delighted with the showing as his side look to pull off a great escape.
"I think today was the best performance of the season," Rooney said.
"The first half we were very good. They go to 10 men and it was about us being patient. Then obviously we lose Tom. It was a silly red card, he knows that.
"But we were in complete control of the game, we were constantly putting them under pressure and making them work and work,
"The way the game was opening up I thought it was a game for Sibley to show his qualities and I'm delighted for him - he's obviously had a frustrating season. It was a massive three points."
