American businessman Chris Kirchner has been officially confirmed as the preferred bidder for Championship club Derby County.
The Rams have already been docked 21 points this season, a consequence of entering administration and for historical breaches of financial regulations.
A combination of both issues, the club's debt and the cost of their stadium Pride Park have left administrators struggling to establish a preferred bidder, putting the club's future at considerable risk.
However, months after failing to make any significant progress with his initial proposal, Kirchner, the owner of Slync.io, is seemingly on the verge of winning the race for the Rams.
In an official statement on Wednesday, the joint-administrators said: "Following a rigorous and well-documented marketing process, the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club have accepted an offer from Chris Kirchner to acquire Derby County Football Club out of administration.
"The joint administrators have entered into a period of exclusivity with Mr. Kirchner and his advisors, during which further operational, commerical and contractual discussions will take place."
Derby current sit nine points adrift of safety in the Championship with six fixtures remaining.
Darren Plant
