Middlesbrough say they are willing to discuss compromise over claim against Derby

The Pride Park was the site of a draw last August.

They are willing to talk about a possible compromise in their case.

The Rams have been in administration since September.

They are both claiming a loss of income because of the Derby breeches.

"MFC does not wish to see Derby County fall into insolvency," said the statement on the website.

They are happy to be realistic in their expectations in order to help the administrators complete a takeover deal.

"However, it is ultimately up to the administrators or the new owner to put a firm and realistic proposal forward or just agree that the claim will be met in full by the new owners," the statement concluded.

Wayne Rooney was expecting Quantuma to name a preferred bidder for the club last week, but it is understood that none of the three interested parties are willing to proceed without the issues surrounding the club being resolved.

The current bidders seem unwilling to assume the risk of defending them despite the fact that Derby County consider the claims to be spurious.

The dispute began in January last year after Derby pipped them to a place in the play-offs, but they claim the East Midlands club used various procedural tactics to hold the matter up.

The administrators' arguments are not consistent, according to the statement.

It is said that there is no risk for a new owner if the claim succeeds. The administrator can't find a new owner because they won't proceed without the claim being settled because it has merit and might succeed.

"If the claim has no chance of success, the new owner should accept the decision of the arbitration and resolve the matter."

Derby climbed off the bottom of the Championship table on Saturday with a home win over Sheffield United, despite being deducted 21 points for going into administration.

The administrators were unable to give Jagielka a new contract and sell Shinnie to Wigan for a nominal fee after the EFL asked for proof of funding for the rest of the season.

"MFC has made it clear since the administrators were appointed that it was happy to discuss how the claim is dealt with and whether a compromise could be reached with the administrators or the new owner," the statement said.

The administrators contacted MFC. Since then, there has been no contact at all.