Derby County have issued a strong statement in response to Middlesbrough's intention to sue the EFL over the Rams sale of Pride Park.

The east Midlands outfit revealed at the start of April that they had recorded pre-tax profits of £14.6m, which came because they sold their ground to owner Mel Morris for £80m.

That prevented the side from breaching FFP rules and it is a move that is believed to have angered many clubs in the Championship, including Boro.

The feeling was that the value of the stadium had been deliberately inflated, however Derby insisted that they conducted an independent commercial valuation before the sale.

Nevertheless, Boro owner Steve Gibson confirmed last week that they want to sue the EFL 'for allegedly failing to uphold their financial rules' in regards to this incident.

However, Derby responded to that today, reiterating the fact that they feel they have done nothing wrong and stating that the EFL have already acknowledged that.

"The stadium was subject to an independent professional valuation before sale, nearly 18 months ago, and the EFL indicated in writing that the arrangement was in accordance with its rules and regulations.

"The EFL cannot now, long after approving the arrangements, suggest Derby County breached the rules. The Club regrets that Middlesbrough Football Club have said they are suing the EFL over the matter, but that is a matter for them.

"Derby County offered to show Middlesbrough its financial records but they declined the invitation and appear to have decided to bring a claim against the EFL instead."

The verdict

Derby have certainly made their feelings clear on this matter and they clearly can't be sanctioned if it has already been allowed by the EFL.

On the other hand, you can understand why Boro and other clubs are frustrated but if they haven't broken the rules then, as Derby say, the issues now lies with the EFL and Middlesbrough.

You still get the feeling more will come of this and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.