What are the latest developments with Derby County’s takeover situation right now?

Derby County fans will be hoping that this week sees significant movement concerning a club takeover. 

On Friday, administrators Quantuma confirmed the process they were going to follow in order to be in the position to name a preferred bidder.

In a statement, they confirmed that bidders would need to present their final offers by the close of business on Friday.

Those bids would then be assessed over the weekend by Quantuma, who will identify a preferred bidder based upon who they believe “best secures the long term future of the Club”.

In the early part of this week, the administrators are due to begin discussions with the EFL and once approval is granted for them to proceed, they’ll be in the position to publicly name their preferred bidder.

It appears as though it’s a waiting game then for the time being, with Quantuma set to wait for EFL approval before they publicly name their preferred bidder.

Among the parties reportedly interested is a consortium led by former Rams chairman Andy Appleby as well as ex-Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.

Highly-regarded sports lawyer Nick De Marco QC has heaped praise on Ashley and hinted at what Derby fans can expect from him as owner.

He told Chronicle Live: “To be honest, Mike Ashley is one of the best clients I have had in football, and I have had many.

“As with most people who have reached his level of success without being handed it on a plate, he is very hardworking and expects the same from those around him.

“But he listens carefully to the advice he receives (which is certainly not the case for many in this business), and he gives clear instructions. I have no doubt that without Mike’s determination and intuition, and that of those who work closely with him, the