It will be resolved next week whether Bin Zayed International can close the Derby County takeover deal they appear committed to amid interest from other parties, according to John Percy from The Telegraph.

The prospective new Derby owners, led by Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed, have been thought to be close to completing their takeover since November but ongoing delays mean the deal has yet to be done.

Reports yesterday revealed that ex-Sheffield Wednesday advisor Erik Alonso was in advanced negotiations with the East Midlands club over a takeover deal of his own.

Following that twist in the saga, Percy has reported that it will be resolved next week whether Bin Zayed International can complete the deal they've indicated they're committed to for so long.

It is understood that at least three parties are waiting in the wings. Alonso is believed to be one of those alongside a US-based party.

Current owner Mel Morris indicated that the deal was still live last month but has now, according to Sky Sports, given a final deadline to Deventio Holdings – the vehicle used by Bin Zayed International.

The Verdict

It seems as though we may be finally moving toward some sort of conclusion concerning the Derby takeover.

Percy has provided a timeline for the resolution of Bin Zayed International's interest, while a string of reports seem to confirm that other parties are waiting to try and seal a deal of their own.

Rams supporters have, of course, heard this all before but you'd hope that the end to this saga could now be in sight.

Getting the takeover done before the end of the season to allow the new ownership to properly plan for the upcoming window would be a major boost.