Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen says he is encouraging potential buyers of Derby County to reignite their interest in the club.

Mr Bridgen was involved with interested backers earlier this year - but then Derby's administrators Quantuma gave 'preferred buyer' status to American businessman Chris Kirchner.

However, Kirchner has failed to meet the English Football League's deadline to prove he has the funds to complete the deal and provide money for the Pride Park club to operate next season.

That means other parties can now come back in and re-launch a takeover bid.

Mr Bridgen tweeted this week: "Hugely disappointing news at this very late stage.

"I have spoken to the representatives of alternative buyers in the past few months and will be encouraging them to come back and rescue the club."

But he added today (Monday): "A number of people are raising the Derby County situation with me.

"To be clear, I am not part of team Derby and I am not privy to their discussions.

"I have however raised issues with them and fed in my own thoughts on how best to proceed. T

"The early part of this week will be critical with just over a week until the League One fixtures are released.

"I am having ongoing discussions with stakeholders and interested parties and remain hopeful."

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has been among other candidates looking take over at Derby.

Andrew Bridgen MP. Photo: Andrewbridgen.com

But the BBC reports that the EFL now wants more control over who buys the club.

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.