American millionaire Chris Kirchner faces losing £1.6M MILLION if Derby takeover fails as Mike Ashley shows interest

AMERICAN businessman Chris Kirchner faces the loss of a £1.6 million payment if he misses out on the chase for Derby County.

Kirchner is currently trying to clear a £21.4 million payment to secure ownership of Wayne Rooney’s club but can be beaten to the deal by rivals after losing his exclusivity.

But in the meantime Kirchner has paid in the funds that sorted out the club’s wages last month when they risked losing three points NEXT season.

Kirchner originally attempted to transfer his funds on May 27, in time to pay administrators Quantuma and cover the payroll.

When the initial anti money-laundering check problems arose it meant the money would be too late to pay those bills and mean a suspended EFL penalty kicked in.

Derby have a three point punishment hanging over them after they failed to pay on time a couple of years ago.

Kirchner entered a quick agreement that allowed the administrators to instantly pay the funds.

As a result Kirchner cannot get that money back if he is beaten to the purchase of the club.

Kirchner is waiting on his latest transfer being cleared.

It was sent from his personal bank on Monday evening American East Coast time and its arrival date is still unknown.

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The frustrated bidder is trying to send the same sum by another route as the race is on in earnest..

Mike Ashley is interested in buying Derby but may be reluctant to match the money needed.

Former Wolves owner Steve Morgan is also in the race but yet to show his cash.

Two other parties have been in touch with the admins and also the incoming buyers of Pride Park to establish the costs of leasing the ground.

Derby’s next crunch date is at the end of month when Rooney and his players bare due to be paid.

American financiers MSD Holdings may have to pay them but this adds to the overall bill and they will need to be sure that there is a buyer.