Adam Pearson will step down as Derby County chief executive as part of the American takeover.

The American sports marketing company who are taking over County, want to install their own man to drive the business forward. Pearson will remain as chairman and work with manager Paul Jewell in running the football side of the club, says the Sunday Mirror.

Pearson, who took charge at Pride Park last October, will retain a 10 per cent stake in the club, with the Americans taking control of the rest of the shares.