Mike Ashley has reportedly taken the next step in his bid to buy crisis-ridden Derby County by depositing £50million to acquire the club and Pride Park Stadium.
The former Newcastle United owner and his group are set to inform Derby's administrators, Quantuma, of their plans to takeover the club and rival Andrew Appleby's bid to save the club from liquidation.
According to The Telegraph, Ashley's lawyers, RPC, have set aside £50m to buy the League One club, which has been in administration since September last year.
The report claims that the deal to buy the League One club – managed by Wayne Rooney – will include the club and its stadium, which is still owner by previous chairman Mel Morris.