Derby executive chairman Adam Pearson has refused to confirm holding talks with a consortium headed by a member of the Disney family.

Reports on Thursday suggested Pearson has been in discussions with the Shamrock hedge fund, spearheaded by Roy Disney, nephew of Walt, about the possibility of a takeover at Pride Park.

The former Hull chairman was unhappy with a headline branding the Rams a 'Mickey Mouse club', calling it "cheap and potentially damaging".

He added on the club's website: "This morning's headline is disappointing and does not reflect well on Derby County.

"I stressed when I took on the chairmanship that I would not engage in media speculation with regard to investment and I will restate again here that I won't be saying anything until a deal is done.

"At that stage, the fans of Derby County will be the first to know."