Mike Ashley reignites interest in Derby County takeover

Reports have surfaced again regarding Frasers Group boss taking over stricken Derby County.

Ashley is said to be part of a consortium involving former Derby chairman Andy Appleby, chief executive Sam Rush and Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey which is set to pay around £50 for the Rams, who remain in administration.

Ashley sold Newcastle in October in a £305m deal but it said to be keen to re-enter club ownership.

Rumours surrounding Ashley and Derby County first emerged immediately after he sold the Magpies, but administrator Quantuma denied any approach.

The Rams were place into administration by previous owner Mel Morris in September, with Quantuma called in to find a buyer for the club.

Chris Kirchner, the US businessman who withdrew his offer and made the announcement via social media, is now out of the running to buy the Rams out of administration, but, say Quantuma, the move has led to one of the remaining bidders upping their bid to buy the club, which sits bottom of the Championship, despite giving fans hope with an impressive run of results over Christmas and New Year.

Administrators from Quantuma said that Kirchner’s bid didn’t meet their valuation of the club.