A protracted takeover that would rescue Derby County from administration is at risk of collapse, according to reports.
A buyout of the Rams by American investor Chris Kirchner was believed to be close to completion, but Bristol Rovers' League One rivals have been struck by fresh uncertainty over the future of the club.
Kirchner was named as the preferred bidder to buy the club by administrators Quantuma in April and the deal was given conditional approval by the EFL last month, but it appears to be in serious doubt two months later.
"It is my understanding that the deal will most likely collapse today," BBC Radio Derby reporter Ed Dawes said on Wednesday. "There is a serious problem with closing it.
"I've spent two days speaking to people close to this deal and there is huge frustration."
BBC Sport reports that Kirchner himself has said he expects the deal to be completed today, but it is understood his promise to pay wages for May has not been fulfilled, with another party "close to the club" providing the funds.
Derby were relegated from the Championship last season despite a courageous attempt by Wayne Rooney and his youthful squad in challenging circumstances.
After failed takeover attempts by the Bin Zayed group and Erik Alonso last year, Derby entered administration and were docked 12 points in September. A nine-point deduction followed for breaching EFL accounting regulations.
US businessman Kirchner first tried to buy the club in December before withdrawing his interest, but he revived his interest in the spring and was quickly named the preferred bidder amid interest from former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.
One of the snags in the deal has been the sale of the stadium. Derby posted multi-million-pound profits in 2019, but only after selling Pride Park to then-owner Mel Morris for £80million. Meetings between the parties to resolve the issue are yet to yield success.
Rooney has admitted his future in charge at the club is dependent on a prompt sale. As it stands, he has just five first-team players – Jason Knight, Louie Sibley, Krystian Bielik, Max Bird and Jack Stretton – under contract for next season.
Derby are among the early favourites for next season's League One title, but uncertainty reigns over their future.
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