Chris Kirchner’s Derby County takeover expected to collapse

Kirchner has failed to close the deal

Derby County's takeover by Chris Kirchner is expected to collapse, with the American businessman reportedly failing to close the deal.  BBC Radio Derby report that Kirchner - who was named as preferred bidder to take the club out of administration on April 6 - hasn't been able to close the deal to purchase the Rams, despite having his period as preferred bidder extended on two occasions. It is also reported that the 34-year-old promised to pay Derby wages for May, but that the funds have not arrived.  https://twitter.com/BBCDerbySport/status/1534423168697389057 Once contracts for the sale of the club had been exchanged on May 17, the English Football League (EFL) conditionally approved the takeover of the club.  At the time, the EFL states that "the terms of a Membership Agreement" had been agreed with the American's 9CK Sports Holdings Limited company to allow the sale of Derby.

Kirchner and Mel Morris fail to agree deal for stadium

Derby's administrators - Quantuma - claimed that the takeover was conditional on the sale of Derby's Pride Park stadium, which is still owned by former majority shareholder Mel Morris.

Despite meetings between Morris, Derby City Council, Kircher and his representatives, no deal was able to be struck to buy the ground. 

Should the deal to buy the Rams fall through, it will be the second time an attempt by Kirchner to buy the club has failed to materialise - after withdrawing a bid in December, before then reviving his interest in April.

Wayne Rooney's side were relegated from the Championship following a 1-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers on Easter Monday, meaning that the club will be playing in the third tier for the first time since the 1985-86 season.

Related links:

• Defiant Wayne Rooney addresses Derby fans at training ground after relegation
• Derby County relegated from the Championship
• US investment firm makes formal offer for under-threat Derby County