The Football League are threatening to kick Wayne Rooney's Derby County out of the league if they do not show they have money to end the season.

Heated exchanges between League chiefs and the club's administrators hit a new peak when the order was made to have funds in place by midday on February 1, says The Sun.

The High Roon ultimatum means Derby have to find a bidder willing to put in funds to cover the season or sell some of their few remaining players.

The EFL could suspend the Rams 'golden share' if they are not happy and that would mean they would be out of the Championship - with their results removed.

This heavyweight threat emerged after administrators Quantuma were unable to do a deal with the EFL to handle the claims of Middlesbrough and Wycombe down the line.

Mike Ashley, a group headed by Andy Appleby and a mystery third party are keen to buy the club but will not take on the Boro and Wycombe claims.