American Chris Kirchner's bid to buy Derby County has been accepted by administrators.

Kirchner appeared to be out of the race to buy Derby around Christmas when he withdrew his offer and turned his attention towards Preston North End.

A statement from Derby's joint administrators read: "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.

"This follows receipt of his recent bid for the club.

"The bid is for the purchase of the football club only with the terms of the club's ongoing occupation of Pride Park stadium to be negotiated with external stakeholders.

"Mr Kirchner had initially expressed an interest in acquiring the club in late 2021, and the joint administrators have welcomed Mr Kirchner's renewed interest.

"Discussions have taken place with key stakeholders, and Mr Kirchner has been named as the preferred bidder for the club, with immediate effect.

"The joint administrators have entered into a period of exclusivity with Mr Kirchner and his advisers, during which further operational, commercial and contractual discussions will take place."