John Terry is a contender to be the next Derby manager, with key figures among the club's prospective new owners impressed by the former England captain.
Terry has never been a No 1, but there are those close to Sheik Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan — near to completing a £60million takeover of the bottom club in the Championship — who believe Terry would be able to revive Derby's fortunes.
The 39-year-old is part of Dean Smith's coaching staff at Aston Villa but is keen to move into management.
Derby are currently led by Wayne Rooney, who heads a four-man interim coaching team, in charge since the sacking of Phillip Cocu in November.