Derby County: EFL 'extremely frustrated' at not being able to speak to bidders

The Football League was unable to speak to potential buyers of Derby County because of the club's financial troubles.

The EFL said it would increase its involvement in the process.

It was expected that the chief executive of the English Football League would be involved in the sale of the club.

Ex-chairman Andy Appleby is one of the people who may be interested.

The potential of a 15-point deduction for Derby next season has been raised due to the fact that no one knows if any party will pay the sum that was agreed to.

• Where will Derby turn next in bid to save club?

With the fixtures due out on Thursday, administrators are confident of a sale and are planning to take on more external funding to make up for June's wages.

Birch told the Rams Trust Fans Group in a letter on Saturday that key elements of their work are not in the grasp of the EFL.

The administrators owe obligations to individuals under the UK's General Data Protection Regulations so they can't confirm the identity of any bidder without their consent.

The solicitors acting for those who have refused consent have been asked for calls. The calls have not yet been made.

It's very frustrating for us. We believe we can help review any proposed exit plans to identify any issues as early as possible so we can try to find a solution.

Verification of compliance with the Owners' and Directors' Test and an assessment of the ultimate source and sufficiency of funding are some of the things we will have to do. This can't begin until we have the right information.

Since their appointment in September, Quantuma have relied on external funding.

This approach carries risk according to Birch.

He said that the administrators have funded the trading losses with further advances from an external funder.

The administrators need a prospective purchaser to repay as part of the sale consideration, as a result of this. The debt has grown over the course of a month.

The 2022-23 League One season will be in administration. Throughout the campaign, Quantuma will have to show how they intend to fund the club.

Wayne Rooney's squad is due to start pre-season training on 27 June, although the manager's position has yet to be clarified and the club only have five contracted senior players.