Derby County preferred bidder Chris Kirchner has announced manager Wayne Rooney will be in full charge of who and who isn't awarded a new contract when he takes stewardship of the club, making this revelation on Twitter.
The US businessman is in regular communication with Rooney as the takeover process continues to drag on, with the former being announced by administrators as the man to take the Rams forward earlier this month.
This decision has enabled the second-tier side's boss to make plans for next season with his men confirmed to be competing in the third tier of English football during the 2022/23 campaign, a real blow for them considering their brave efforts but that outcome has provided certainty ahead of the next few months.
Their drop to the third tier was confirmed on Monday when they suffered a late loss against Queens Park Rangers, with Reading staging a remarkable comeback against Swansea City to secure the point they needed to send the East Midlands outfit down.
However, many of the second-tier side's supporters are more concerned about a takeover being pushed through at this stage and one potential positive of their likely new owner is the fact he's fully engaged with football, according to Rooney who spoke to Derbyshire Live.
Despite this, Kirchner is prepared to let the Rams' head coach have full control over the players that are and aren't offered fresh terms at Pride Park in the coming months.
Asked how many players he expects to sign a new deal at the club on Twitter, he responded: "Not sure… obviously we need the takeover done so they have certainty first.
"Then it’s between them and Wayne because it’s his squad.
"I’m here to support that and enable to build what he needs, but decision will ultimately be his."
The Verdict:
After seeing Rooney work well with his players this season, it would surely make sense for Kirchner to directly leave this issue in the former's hands and the fact he has done that could be a promising sign of things to come.
Contract decisions will also have an influence on their transfer strategy in terms of the players they need to bring in as well, so unwanted interference would only complicate a situation that is already complex with the need to bring in a high number of bodies.
The Manchester United legend won't want too much interference on player matters because that could easily lead to a breakdown in the duo's relationship, so although Kirchner has to keep an eye on things, he shouldn't get involved too much.
Striking that balance will be difficult - but there are plenty of other things for the businessman to be addressing whilst Rooney sorts out contracts - so it's not as if the current preferred bidder will be watching on without anything to do himself.
Making Derby a better-run club and providing supporters with a great matchday experience are two immediate things to be addressed away from player contracts and transfers, something Kirchner and his team will surely be focusing on.