Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is eyeing off Derby County.

The Daily Mail says Ashley is weighing up a sensational £50million takeover bid for troubled Championship club Derby.

The controversial former Newcastle owner, who sold the club to a Saudi-backed consortium in a £305million deal last year, is thought to be pondering a shock return to football despite being detested by large sections of Newcastle support for much of his tenure.

The Rams, managed by former England captain Wayne Rooney, have been in administration since September and are 11 points adrift at the bottom of the Championship after being deducted 21 points.

Administrators Quantuma have yet to agree takeover terms with any interested party, with US businessman Chris Kirchner pulling out recently.

They are expected to make a decision on a preferred bidder imminently, with at least one other group in the running.