Derby At Centre Of Takeover Bid From Easdale Brothers

Greenock-based brothers James and Sandy Easdale are launching a bid for Wayne Rooney's Derby County - backed by Malaysian money.

The former Rangers shareholders, who have a £750million transportation and property business, have been looking for a club in England.

And now they have come into rival American Steve Kirchner who was the first to make a significant bid to buy the struggling outfit who are in administration.

The Easdales had been looking for a team in the Premier League, along with their Far Eastern partners, but Derby is appealing at around £50m.

Even the prospect of a likely relegation to League One does not put them off, especially if they can win the race before the January transfer window.

The publicity-shy pair are big football fans, coming from Greenock but followers of Rangers. Their shrewd moves in the transport and property sectors have seen them amass an impressive financial capital.

Those acquisitions came after they began their venture into business by purchasing a number of pubs and hospitality hotspots. They also have close links with Mike Ashley, the former Newcastle United owner.

Ashley has denied any involvement in a bid for Derby, but the Easdales move may raise eyebrows because of their past links.

Kirchner seemed to have a clear run after addressing supporters and flew in to see Derby last weekend on his private plane.

The Rams are currently bottom of the Championship table following their 12-point deduction.

This story appeared in The Sun