Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is considering a bid for cash-strapped Championship club Derby County.
The Rams have been in administration since September.
A consortium involving former Derby chairman Andy Appleby, chief executive Sam Rush and Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey was viewed as being well placed to secure ownership of the club.
Administrators Quantuma had hoped to conclude a deal by the end of December.
However, there has still been no announcement.
This has created an opening for Ashley, who completed his £305m sale of Newcastle in October.