Derby County could lose a handful of their best young players if administrators are unable to find a buyer for the club, Football League World understands.

Midfielders Jason Knight, Max Bird and Louis Sibley, as well as striker Jack Stretton, are among those understood to be attracting interest.

The Rams are of course looking for new owners after entering administration earlier this year.

Administrators have, however, refused to rule out selling players in the January transfer window to raise funds if a buyer cannot be found before then.

Knight is understood to be the prime contender to leave, with Premier League sides Everton, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Leeds, Burnley and Newcastle all keen on the 20-year-old.

Meanwhile, two other top-flights sides - Brentford and Norwich - as well as Championship promotion hopefuls West Brom and Bournemouth, are taking an interest in Bird, Sibley and Stretton.

Some clubs have even made multiple inquiries about signing more than one player from the Rams, with double and treble deals under consideration, given the bargains that could potentially be available from Pride Park.