Derby County: US-based Binnie family submit takeover offer for Championship club

A wealthy US family, based in New England, have made a formal offer to buy Championship club Derby County.

The Binnies, founders of investment company Carlisle Capital, have submitted a bid of about £28m.

The club's administrators had hoped to name a preferred bidder earlier this month, with three parties interested.

But the process has been bogged down by the English Football League's demand for proof of how Derby will be funded for the rest of the season.

Administrators Quantuma are also having to deal with compensation claims against Derby from fellow EFL clubs Middlesbrough and Wycombe Wanderers.

BBC Radio Derby reports that the bid does not cover the Rams' Pride Park stadium, which is owned by former club chairman Mel Morris.

Derby were placed into administration last September by Morris and the club were hit with deductions totalling 21 points, leaving them facing relegation to League One.

Despite that, impressive form under manager Wayne Rooney has seen the team climb off the bottom of the table and they are within eight points of safety.

Speaking on Friday, before reports of the Binnies' interest, Rooney told BBC Sport: «Derby County is much more than just a football club. It gives everyone in the city hope, it gives kids a dream of playing for their club. It helps numerous charities around the city.

»Let's hope we get the help we need or this will be a massive loss to Derby."

Those interested in buying the club include a consortium including ex-Derby chairman Andy Appleby and former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

US businessman Chris Kirchner, from Texas, submitted an offer for the club but withdrew it just before Christmas.

Carlisle Capital was founded in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been an investor in more than 15