Derby County have been bought out by an American consortium.

The Daily Mail says Rams chairman Adam Pearson has been working on the multi-million deal since he took charge of the Rams at the end of October.

Negotiations have been in the balance, with Pearson unsure just a month ago as to whether a buy-out would take place or fall by the wayside.

But it is understood the group will take on the club's £25million debt, as well as provide boss Paul Jewell with significant funds in the summer.

The American group were previously involved in talks with a takeover of Manchester City, only to lose out to Thaksin Shinawatra.

Derby are now the fourth Premier League club in American hands, along with Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

The Rams have confirmed a press conference is to be held at Pride Park on Monday when "a positive announcement" will be made on the club's future.

In a statement to be published in tomorrow's matchday programme for the FA Cup fourth round clash with Preston, Pearson said: "This new investment will establish the Derby County brand worldwide through successful alliances with sporting teams in the USA, the far east and Africa.

"The key aim is to continue to build the infrastructure of the club at Pride Park and obviously develop a squad which is renowned as a Premier League force. This will add new financial firepower to the squad."