Derby County's seemingly never-ending takeover saga is set to rumble on for a little bit longer.
Administrators Quantuma, who have been in situ at Pride Park since last September, have announced an extension on the period of exclusivity granted to preferred bidder Chris Kirchner. The original deadline of last Saturday has now been extended by a further seven days in the hope a deal can finally be thrashed out.
The American businessman revisited his interest in the Rams earlier this year, after previously withdrawing a bid and then briefly looking into the possibility of purchasing rival Championship side Preston North End.
Kirchner is all in when it comes to Derby. He has made numerous visits to the club and has struck up a rapport with manager Wayne Rooney, who is equally determined the club's future is resolved as soon as possible. The pair were up until the early hours of Saturday morning discussing various matters as they look to safeguard the club's future.
The stumbling block in Kirchner's deal is the issue over the club's stadium, which is owned by ex-Derby chairman Mel Morris. A deal between Kirchner and Morris over the ground must be struck independently. Sky Sports have claimed that a figure of £22million had been mooted as an asking price by Morris. It has also been suggested Morris, who has received death threats, is willing to consider a lease arrangement.
It had previously been suggested Derby could ground-share next season with Midlands' rivals Stoke or Leicester but this is seen very much as a last resort. A statement from Quantuma, providing a fresh update on developments, said: "We consider that matters can be resolved in a short period of time and are grateful for the assistance of all stakeholders relating to the stadium. It should be noted that the company that owns the stadium is not in administration and therefore out of our control. We have therefore extended the period of exclusivity to midnight on Saturday, 14 May."
"For the avoidance of doubt, Mr Morris has been fully co-operative throughout the administration and has not changed his stance on the disposal of the stadium. He shares everyone's desire that the successful acquirer will take the club forward and understands that the acquirer will want the stadium matter resolved as soon as possible."
The EFL last week made a statement saying they "acknowledge the current time pressures relating to Mr Kirchner’s position as preferred bidder and will seek to conclude matters as soon as possible in line with requirements as set out in the League’s Insolvency Policy".
As of Monday morning that stance had not changed before Quantuma announced the extension granted to Kirchner.
Derby were relegated into League One after a hugely testing season which saw them not only spend the vast majority of it in administration but also incurred a 21-point handicap and had to work under a transfer embargo.
Former Manchester United and England captain Rooney won many plaudits for his handling of an extremely testing and sensitive situation.
Rooney is contracted until 2023 and despite being linked with some high-profile jobs recently he has regularly voiced his desire to remain at the club. Indeed, just hours after Derby's relegation from the Championship was confirmed he delivered a stirring speech to supporters.
He said: "We're grateful for the support you've shown us all season. It's been f***ing tough, been hard. Difficult moments for us, for you (fans) especially. But we've tried our best, we've given everything we can. It's unfortunate we've been relegated but now we'll plan to make sure this club comes back."
As far as Rooney sees it, a takeover has to go through, with the 36-year-old saying: "The takeover has to happen. If it doesn't I fear for the club. It has to (go through). If it happens, I want to rebuild the club. This is a special club, I've said all along. I want to try and bring the happy days back."
The big hope for Rooney, Kirchner and all of a Derby persuasion is that there is a happy ending to this long, dragged-out saga. But while ever the takeover remains unconfirmed, liquidation remains a distinct possibility for a club that was formed in 1884 and has won two league titles and an FA Cup.
