Who is Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan, what is his net worth and is he buying Derby County?
Toon kingpin Mike Ashley has been looking to sell the club since October 2017 and may finally have found his buyer
SHEIKH Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan looks set to make a big splash in English football.
The Dubai-based billionaire, who was previously linked to both Liverpool and Newcastle, is now interested in a Derby Country takeover, according to reports.
Who is Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan?
A SENIOR member of the Abu Dhabi royal family, Sheikh Khaled established the Bin Zayed Group in 1988.
He is among the most successful entrepreneurs in the Gulf states and cousin to Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour.
In his early years, he graduated in business administration from Boston University before completing a PHD in finance from Michigan State.
Back in 2018 he attempted a £2billion takeover of Liverpool, which would have been a world record for the most expensive buyout in the history of football.
Most recently, Khaled offered Mike Ashley £350million for Newcastle, but talks fell through.
Sheikh Khaled, who is 61, is also president of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
But he's always had a keen interest in football.
His money has been made through the Bin Zayed Group, who specialise in construction and energy, trading and industry, real estate, technology and financial services.
The total net worth of the Abu Dhabi royals is estimated to be £118bn as of 2018.
WHEN DID SHEIKH KHALED WANT TO BUY DERBY?
Back in September, Derventio Holdings (UK) Limited was registered at Companies House.
Three directors were listed, Bin Zayed Group managing director Midhat Kamil Kidwai and British entrepreneurs, Andrew Obolensky and Christopher Samuelson.
Khaled is named as the "person with significant control."
Derventio was a Roman town that became the city of Derby.