The administrators of Derby County are confident that a new owner will be on board at the club by the middle of this week.
Derbyshire construction giant Clowes Developments has submitted a formal plan to buy the Rams, having bought the Pride Park stadium just over a week ago and having also provided a loan to tide the club over.
Administrators Quantuma said they hoped the deal would see no more points deducted from Derby after the club was relegated from the Championship having had 21 points taken away because of its financial problems.
Clowes chairman David Clowes said: “As a long-standing loyal supporter, I am personally delighted that we are in a position to be able to secure the future of the football club. This is a very proud and humbling moment for Clowes Developments.”
In a statement, the administrators said they hoped a deal was just a couple of days away.
It said: “Over the course of the last day or so, the joint administrators have continued positive discussions with Derbyshire based property group Clowes Developments (UK) Ltd which resulted in a credible and acceptable offer being submitted.
“Discussions in respect of this offer, which complies with the EFL Insolvency Policy, have taken place with a range of stakeholders.
“The joint administrators are delighted to confirm that they have formally accepted Clowes’ offer to acquire Derby County Football Club out of administration.
“Clowes has been granted preferred bidder status with immediate effect.
“The joint administrators will now enter into a period of exclusivity with Clowes, with a completion of the acquisition of the business and the assets of the Club targeted for June 29, 2022.
“All parties are now working hard to conclude what is still a complex legal transaction within a very short timeframe.
“Once concluded, the transaction will enable the club to move forward and prepare for the upcoming season out of administration.
“It will also ensure that Pride Park Stadium and the club are under the control of a new, local owner with the commitment and resources to enable the club to move forward with a clean slate.
“The offer also provides the best return for creditors and enables the joint administrators to fulfil their statutory duties and will ensure that there are no further points deductions levied against the club once it is out of administration.
“The acceptance of Clowes’ offer, and the entering into a period of exclusivity means the joint administrators are now prohibited from continuing discussions with other parties who had indicated an interest in acquiring the club.
“The main focus is now on concluding the transaction with Clowes within the targeted timeframe.”
Derby have confirmed that Liam Rosenior will take charge of the club on an interim basis after the departure of Wayne Rooney on Friday.
