Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is launching a bid for Derby County.

Though US businessman Chris Kirchner was chosen as preferred bidder by administrators Quantuma in April, his bid has since collapsed.

Ashley has never lost interest in buying Derby, who are managed by former England captain Wayne Rooney, and was contacted by the administrators on Friday, reports the Daily Mail.

Ashley's legal team confirmed his desire to '"acquire the club's business and assets". He has shown he has the funds needed to buy Derby.

Kirchner missed Friday's 5pm deadline to complete his takeover - though his camp were insisting on Saturday that he had not given up hope,.

A rival group headed by former chairman Andy Appleby are also showing interest.