The English Football league has welcomed the sale of Pride Park to a property developer that wants to go on and buy Derby County FC.
Derbyshire business Clowes Developments has bought the ground from former Rams owner Mel Morris.
Ownership of the stadium had been a significant stumbling block in the process of finding someone to buy the club out of administration.
Clowes has also made a loan to the club to help it pay its bills and prepare for next season in League One.
County fan and Clowes chairman David Clowes is now understood to be undergoing an “owners and directors test” as he steps up his bid to take full control of Derby.
Meanwhile Derby County administrators Quantuma have confirmed that Clowes Developments have been made their preferred bidder as its takeover of the club edges closer.
Wayne Rooney has stepped down as Derby manager after a rollercoaster 18 months in charge.
The ex-Manchester United and England star joined the Rams in January 2020 as player-coach and ended that year in temporary charge following Phillip Cocu’s departure.
Rooney hung up his boots when named Derby’s permanent boss in January 2021 and earned praise for the way he has handled a challenging first managerial post.
The EFL has wanted to play a greater part in negotiations with potential bidders to avoid further deadlock after American millionaire Chris Kirchner pulled his bid to buy the club.
It said it was now looking into whether Mr Clowes has the cash to take on the club.
In a statement the league said: "The EFL welcomes the announcement by Clowes Developments (UK) Limited in respect of its acquisition of Pride Park stadium, which has been a significant challenge in relation to the sale of Derby County Football Club, and that it will be submitting a bid for the football club during the course of today.
"Over the last two weeks the EFL has met daily with the joint administrators, Quantuma, as they continue their efforts to sell the club, and the league is now working closely with all parties to ensure they recognise the importance of compliance with the league’s regulations and insolvency policy with the objective of securing the club’s exit from administration.
"The league has already commenced the process in respect of its owners and directors’ test, as well as an assessment of the ultimate source and sufficiency of funding to support the proposed business plan for the club.
“The league understands and acknowledges that there is a desire from Derby County’s stakeholders, including supporters and staff, for a swift conclusion to matters and its focus remains on the club’s prompt exit from administration."
A spokeswoman for club administrators Quantuma said they had been pleased to negotiate the loan from Clowes to the club and looked forward to continuing discussions.
She said: "This loan will allow the club to start the forthcoming season, and to continue to trade.”
