Derby County manager Wayne Rooney says there have been “positive” developments this week in the planned takeover of the club.
The ex-England star said things were looking good for the acquisition by American entrepreneur Chris Kirchner who was earlier this month named as the preferred bidder to take the Rams out of administration.
Administrators were brought in at the Championship club last autumn after it struggled to find investors. Then owner Mel Morris said he had no choice but to make the "gut-wrenching" decision over its future.
Mr Kircher, who made his fortune in business software, first showed an interest last autumn, only to pull his bid in December.
Following subsequent discussions with administrators Quantuma it was announced they hoped to be able to strike a deal in the coming weeks.
Derby have been relegated to League One despite battling to overcome a 21 point deduction because of the club’s financial problems.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Championship clash at Blackpool Rooney said: "We know it is very close to getting completed. I think it will (be done), I hope it will and having seen the progress this week I think there is a very big chance of that.
"I know within seven to 10 days, there will be a big change.
"There has been real positives this week.
"I have met with Chris' advisory team, so there have been steps forward but we are in a position where it really needs to happen quick.
"There have been real positive meetings with the council, meetings with the EFL, meetings with Chris and his team – probably the most positive five to seven days we have had off the pitch, so I am delighted with that."
Asked if the meetings with the city council were predominantly about Pride Park Stadium, which is owned by Mel Morris, Rooney said: "Yes. I know they are working extremely hard to do everything they can to allow that to take place.
“Without going into too much detail it has been a real positive week off the pitch for us, I am delighted with that but that needs to keep going."
Until a deal is done, and checks completed by the English Football League, Derby will remain under a transfer embargo or be able to offer new deals to existing.
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