Former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley plans talks with Steve Gibson and the Football League to solve problems between Derby and Middlesbrough.

Ashley wants to buy Derby County but has yet to commit to a deal — with Boro's bid for compensation from the Rams a major problem to any buyer.

Boro owner Gibson and Ashley were relatively close when Ashley was at the Toon and they may be able to find a compromise.

Boro want a pay-off from Derby's Financial Fair Play transgressions as they say it cost them a shot at promotion from the Championship, and the EFL want the issue settled quickly.

So much so they have threatened to kick Derby out of the Championship in the middle of this season, says The Sun.

But Ashley would prefer the EFL to sort out the dispute without the threat of compensation claims or future legal action.

American Rich Riley is set to throw money behind a rival bid to rescue Derby.