£60m Rams takeover edges closer

The £60m sale of Derby County has taken a step closer, after Phillip Cocu was relieved of his duties over the weekend.

The deal to buy the Rams, currently sitting bottom of the Championship after just one win this season, will be taken over by Skeikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan this week, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Wayne Rooney has been put in charge of looking after the first team for next Saturday’s match against Bristol City.

Reports suggest that former Dutch international Cocu accepted a settlement significantly below the £4m outlined in his contract.

Assistant manager Chris van der Weerden and specialist first team coach Twan Scheepers have also left the club by mutual agreement.

A statement from the club said: “Derby County wishes to thank Phillip, Chris and Twan for their hard work and dedication over the last 16 months and wish them every success in their future careers.

“The club will provide further updates when appropriate and will be making no further comment in the meantime.”