Ex-Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley keen to buy Derby County after renewing contact

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reportedly interested in purchasing Derby County in a move that would see the 57-year-old move back into the world of football. Ashley's 14-year reign on Tyneside ended following the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle in October 2021.

He is said to be keen on buying Derby, with Sky Sports News reporting the Frasers Group chief executive has made contact with the clubs administrators. Ashley is not the front runner to purchase the East Midlands club, with Chris Kirchner, Derby's preferred buyer, currently undergoing a period of exclusivity with the club.

However, that period of exclusivity is set to expire on Saturday night, with Kirchner and Derby owner Mel Morris said to be at an impasse over separate negotiations for the Rams stadium Pride Park. Morris is reportedly seeking £22m for the stadium. Quantuma, the administrators in charge of overseeing Derby, are thought to have not replied to Ashley's advances but that could all change should Kirchner and Morris be unable to reach a deal by Saturday evening.

No takeover would increase the threat that Derby could go into liquidation. Wayne Rooney's side were handed a 21-point deduction during the Championship season, and almost escaped the drop on the back of some sensational battling performances throughout the campaign.

If Kirchner's period of exclusivity does end without a deal, Ashley could look to swoop in and offer Morris, Quantuma and Derby a route to financial safety. However, it's not as though Ashley's past endeavours into football could be remembered fondly. Ashley's time on Tyneside was certainly a rollercoaster, with there being no love lost between the businessman and the Newcastle United faithful.

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