Derby County: Administrators remain hopeful of naming preferred bidder 'shortly'

Derby County's administrators say they are in active dialogue with potential buyers and are confident of naming a preferred bidder in the near future.

The English Football League confirmed that the club has funds to complete the season.

The Rams have been in administration for almost six months and are in danger of being demoted.

The administrators are clarifying a number of matters related to the takeover bids.

Due to the complex nature of the mechanics of the bids received, it is necessary for us to work through each of these matters individually, to ensure the bids meet our terms of purchase.

We are confident that we will be in a position to name a preferred bidder soon, despite the frustration of fans who are anxious about the club's future.

We welcome the support received from the EFL and will continue working with them, and everyone who has the club's best interests at heart, to secure the best long-term outcome for Derby County.

The administrators still face a number of challenges before being able to complete a takeover deal for the club, but the Rams will be able to play the final 11 games of the season as they try to avoid dropping into League One.

They are next to the bottom of the table, eight points from safety, having had 21 points deducted this season for going into administration and breaching financial regulations.

The team above them in the table will be at home on Saturday.