Rooney's Derby County face the prospect of a further points deduction next season

Derby face the prospect of further points deductions next season if a new owner does not settle all outstanding debts under EFL rules.

Derby Manager - Wayne Rooney

Administrators Quantuma were said to be selecting a preferred bidder on Friday, with an announcement possible next week. There are thought to be up to five parties showing interest in the troubled Championship club, managed by former England captain Wayne Rooney.

But potential buyers must agree to pay unsecured football creditors at least 25 per cent of what they are owed, otherwise the club would lose a minimum of 15 points.

The Rams are currently eight points adrift of safety with seven games remaining after being docked a total of 21 points this season, 12 for entering administration in September and nine for historical financial breaches.

EFL regulations state that where a club seeks to exit administration without paying a ‘minimum dividend’, a fresh points penalty is likely to be imposed. Unsecured creditors can include smaller local businesses who rely on matchday income, or other services such as St John’s Ambulance.

A penalty of that nature would likely be more damaging to Derby next season than this. Rooney has done a fine job to keep Derby’s hopes of survival alive, yet staying up remains a very tall order. 

If they were to suffer a 15-point penalty in League One next season, it would be a huge blow to their chances of an immediate return to the Championship – or of staying in it if they somehow manage to avoid the drop this season.