Derby County takeover news: Mike Ashley and James Bord links, John Textor eyes official bid, David Clowes valuation | OneFootball

FLW has rounded up all the latest news surrounding a Derby County takeover

Multiple parties are reportedly pursuing a Derby County takeover.

The Rams have been under the ownership of David Clowes since the summer of 2022, after they entered administration and subsequently suffered relegation from the Championship.

After saving the club, Clowes helped rebuild Derby and take them back into the Championship. He has been open about his desire to seek external investment or even sell the Pride Park outfit on, which has brought forward a number of interested parties.

With plenty of rumours circling over a Derby County takeover, Football League World has taken a look at the latest news on the subject.

James Bord and Mike Ashley join the hunt

Multiple names have been reported to hold an interest in purchasing Derby County, including James Bord and Mike Ashley.

According to journalist Alan Nixon via Patreon, the duo are both keen on taking over the Rams.

Bord made his millions as a professional poker player, before founding Short Circuit Science, a firm which specialises in sports data analytics, alongside medical prescription technology and climate adoption analysis. He has worked with Sheffield United following their takeover by COH Sports, as part of their AI-driven recruitment model.

Ashley has been extensively linked with a Sheffield Wednesday takeover, but after seeing a £20m bid bettered by three parties, has reportedly turned his sights to the Rams.

John Textor ready to make move

Having previously shown an interest in taking over Sheffield Wednesday, it appears that former Crystal Palace stakeholder, John Textor, sits in pole position to secure a purchase of Derby.

According to the Yorkshire Post, the US businessman is ready to make an official approach to take over Derby, highlighting his intent to get a deal done.

Nixon revealed that Textor is still getting funds together to make his move, which could open up room for Ashley or Bord to swoop in.

However, he still currently looks like the most likely candidate to become Derby’s next owner, even if other parties have joined the race.

Derby County takeover cost revealed

Alongside Bord and Ashley’s involvement, Nixon has also reported how much it would cost to buy Derby.

An estimated figure of £60m has been mooted, which is a valuation that Textor is willing to meet.

Clowes spent £33m on buying the Rams in 2022 and another £22m to purchase Pride Park, which means that he wouldn’t be receiving much of a profit.

However, Derby’s owner has previously stated that he is happy to hand the club over to someone who can progress them further towards the goal of Premier League football, which explains this position.