The next owner of Derby County Football Club could be announced this week, according to a campaign group in the city.
The Team Derby group, made up of Derby City Council, Marketing Derby and local MPs to back the Rams during their financial problems, understands an announcement could be made in a matter of days.
Derby went into administration last autumn and attempts to find a new owner have been held up by financial claims against the club from Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers.
A number of bidders have approached the Championship club’s administrators in recent months.
A Team Derby statement issued by Marketing Derby, said: “A meeting was held today between representatives of Team Derby – Derby City Council, Marketing Derby and local Members of Parliament – with Quantuma (the Derby County Football Club Administrators).
“Its purpose was to seek an urgent update on progress to identify a preferred bidder and ensure the future of Derby County in seeking to exit administration.
“Quantuma confirmed that there are multiple bids and expressions of interest and are now in the final stages of clarification.
“Quantuma believe that they will be in a position to select a preferred bidder by the end of this week.
“Whilst understanding the complexities, Team Derby shared frustrations about the pace of progress and encouraged Quantuma to move as quickly as reasonable and to continue to communicate with stakeholders.
“It is important to note that alongside the key financial elements of bids there are wider factors to consider to ensure the long-term sustainability of the club.
“Community engagement, ensuring the club is welcoming to all and the new owner’s commitment the wider role that the club plays in people’s lives throughout the city and beyond – all of these are crucial factors.
“Our primary concern remains, not only the survival of Derby County, but the impact of this continuing uncertainty on the wider community of Derby and surrounding areas – the fans, communities and businesses – whose passion continues to bring an incredible energy and profile to attempts to save the club.”
