The failure of American businessman Chris Kirchner's Derby County takeover was reportedly due, in part, to his plans to offer much less than £20 million for Pride Park – meaning Mel Morris would have to take a hit on the stadium. 

Kirchner emerged as the frontrunner to become the Rams new owner back in October and was very vocal on social media about his determination to take over at the East Midlands club.

However, in late December, Kirchner announced he had withdrawn his bid after two months of talks with the club administrators.

Fresh information has emerged concerning the American's failed bid, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting that it broke down, in part, due to his plans to offer much less than £20 million for Pride Park.

It is understood that would have meant that Morris would've been forced to take a hit on the stadium.

A takeover is yet to be completed but former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and a consortium led by ex-Derby owner Andy Appleby are thought to be the current interested parties.

The Verdict

It's interesting to get some further insight into Kirchner's failed Derby bid, which seemed to break down out of nowhere when from the outside a deal looked as though it might be close.

It appears the American's valuation of Pride Park was a factor in the failure of the takeover bid, with his offer of less than £20 million meaning Morris would have to take a hit on the stadium.

Rams fans would likely have been keen to see the former owner have to do that but it seems it proved an obstacle to a deal being completed.

The wait for a Derby takeover still goes on but you hope for the sake of Derby supporters that things can be wrapped up quickly.