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Derby County have been granted a one-month extension to provide evidence to the EFL that they can afford to complete the season.

Wayne Rooney is doing a miraculous job in the worst of circumstances, keeping his side off the bottom despite a 21-point deduction after being placed into administration by former owner Mel Morris.

However, Rooney's good work could count for nought with the very existence of the club at risk after 138 years.

The Rams had previously been ordered to give proof by February 1 or face the risk of expulsion from the football league.

But it has now been confirmed that they have until the start of March, giving valuable time to negotiate with interested bidders looking to take over the crisis club.

A statement released by the EFL on Thursday reads: "Following a formal review of revised financial forecasts at Derby County, the EFL and Quantuma (the Club Administrators) have today agreed a month-long extension to the deadline set for proof of funding to be provided.

"The EFL Board had previously requested evidence by 1 February 2022 of how Derby County was to be financed whilst it remained in administration, alongside a financial plan that determined how the Club would fulfil its fixture commitments until the end of the current season.

"Today’s development will allow the Club to meet its ongoing obligations whilst giving a