Derby County are set to be handed a 12 point deduction by Football League authorities.

The Daily Mail says Derby are facing a nine-point deduction this season – which would plunge them to the bottom of the Championship – with three suspended until next season.

An 'agreement in principle' has been reached between Derby officials and the EFL over the tally to be taken away after an often-bitter 18-month row following the club's breaching of financial regulations.

However, discussions over a business plan remained ongoing on Wednesday night and agreement remained elusive.

Sources disclosed there is a widespread belief the end is now in sight, with both club and league expecting to make an announcement later this week.