Mike Ashley has contacted Derby's administrators to confirm he retains an interest in the club.
American businessman Chris Kirchner, named as the preferred bidder in April, failed to meet Friday's 5pm deadline to show he was in a position to complete his deal to buy the club.
Former Newcastle owner Ashley has written to Derby's administrators Quantuma, via his lawyers, saying he 'remains willing and ready to transact'.
Kirchner's failure to prove he had the funds in place to complete the takeover prompted Quantuma to announce on Thursday that they were 'continuing discussions with other interested parties'.