Derby County in race against time to find buyer after Chris Kirchner takeover bid collapses

Derby County have been plunged deeper into crisis after Chris Kirchner’s takeover bid collapsed.

Quantuma, the Derby administrators, are under increasing pressure after Kirchner failed to meet a 5pm deadline to complete a deal on Friday.

The English Football League is understood to be furious and an already dire situation is now critical with the fixtures for the new season to be announced this month.

EFL bosses will demand that Derby provide evidence they can start and complete the 2022/23 campaign, while payroll for staff and players is also required for this month, and with Kirchner’s take-over bid disintegrating, the club are racing against time to find a buyer.

Former Derby chairman Andy Appleby remains interested in a purchase, but is seeking financial backing after Richard Riley, an American businessman, pulled out in January. Riley is now on the board at Queens Park Rangers.

Ex-Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is still determined to complete a buyout but negotiations with Quantuma have been fractious.

Steve Morgan, the former Wolves chairman, has been linked with a bid, though it is understood his interest waned after Derby’s relegation to League One.

Kirchner could remain a contender, though Quantuma are under serious scrutiny after naming him as preferred bidder in April. Kirchner had provided proof of funds to the EFL but failed to transfer the money, raising questions over whether Quantuma carried out proper due diligence.

It is also alleged that Quantuma agreed a deal with Appleby’s consortium in January, but then mysteriously withdrew from talks.

Appleby had thrashed out a deal which included the purchase of Pride Park stadium, while Morgan had also smoothed over the legal dispute with Middlesbrough chairman