The English Football League is to become closely involved in the sale of Derby County in order to secure their future in the league.

Businessman Chris Kirchner failed to meet Friday's deadline to buy the club, further frustrating the EFL.

Conditions suspending Derby's expulsion from the league, imposed when they went into administration, have been changed.

The EFL now wants to be informed of all discussions between administrators Quantuma and potential bidders.

In a statement, the league said it was "increasingly concerned" the delays presented "a real risk to the integrity of next season's competition", with the EFL fixtures being released in less than a fortnight.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said Derby had been given enough time to complete the sale, but "further urgent proactive action" was now needed to "secure the club's future as a continuing member of the EFL".

"Following this latest setback for the club and its fans, it is vitally important that a sale of the club is concluded at the earliest opportunity and we want to ensure that this objective is achieved," he said.