Derby County must be cautious in the wake of a potential big-money takeover deal.

That's the view of Andy Hinchcliffe who was discussing the fortunes of the Rams in the latest episode of Sky Sports' EFL Podcast.

Reports have claimed that that the Championship side are on the cusp of a takeover deal that will make them one of the richest clubs in English football.

The deal is being led by Abu Dhabi royal family member Sheikh Khaled who has agreed a deal in principle to purchase the club from current owner Mel Morris as the controlling stakeholder of Derventio Holdings Limited.

Sheikh Khaled is the cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour, with the family's wealth 'thought to be around £150billion'.

A deal would undoubtedly be a game-changer for Derby, but with the club currently sitting at the bottom of the Championship with just one win in 11 games so far, Hinchcliffe believes that while fans should be excited they must be realistic about the challenge ahead.

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Speaking on the Sky Sports EFL Podcast, Hinchcliffe said: “Of course it’s momentous for Derby.

"I’m sure all their fans are hoping that what happens to Derby is what happened to Man City, but we all have to be aware of Financial Fair Play and the rules of profitability [and] sustainability so there will be a lot of money spent, but again, it can’t just be, ‘we’re going to spend £1bn here and take Derby to the Premier League and win the title.’

“So, of course, it’s very exciting and the fans should be looking forward to what’s going to happen, but Derby are bottom of the Championship and regardless of how much money you throw at it, things don’t necessarily turn around overnight.”

The Verdict

These are exciting times for Derby County.

A takeover deal such as this would be an absolute game-changer for the club as they look to push themselves out of the Championship and establish themselves in the Premier League once again.

Of course doing that is a long way off at present.

While a deal may well get done, there's no underestimating the challenge that Mel Morris faces to get the club out of their current predicament.

Phillip Cocu needs to start picking up some victories and that has to be done before any deal gets completed, as they can't simply buy their way out of trouble.