Mike Ashley reportedly remains 'very interested' in completing a takeover of Nottingham Forest's arch-rivals Derby County, despite shock claims of 'no contact' with the administrators in over two months.
The former Newcastle United owner has been linked with a takeover of the Rams on and off in the aftermath of them entering administration and after selling the North East club last October after 14 years in charge. Derby have now been in administration for over six months.
It was reported yesterday that just two parties remained in talks with the club's administrators, Quantuma. And, per these claims, including quotes from Member of Parliament for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen, Ashley is no longer engaged in talks.
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Bridgen has told Telegraph Sport, as part of their reports: “I met with representatives of Mike Ashley on Wednesday, who detailed their actions over the previous few months. “Obviously Mike Ashley is still interested and is a very credible bidder so I would urge the administrators to engage with them as it’s quite clear a deal needs to be done as quickly as possible.”
They add that 'Ashley is still determined to complete a takeover' and 'restart negotiations' with the administrators after understanding that, while an agreement on a deal was 'close' at the end of last year, it is alleged the Ashley camp have had 'no dialogue with Quantuma since January'. Those negotiations were apparently 'advanced' and included dialogue over a sale of the Mel Morris-owned Pride Park Stadium.
