American businessman Chris Kirchner is reportedly back in pole position to takeover Derby after he was chosen as the club's 'preferred bidder'.
Kirchner withdrew his bid for the Rams in December with administrators Quantuma claiming it fell short of other offers they were expecting for the club.
He then switched his attention to Preston, but they released a statement last week which appeared to rule out Kirchner's takeover as they said they were no longer engaged with 'any party'.
However, the Sun have now reported that Kirchner is back in the race at Derby who have made him their number one choice to take the club out of administration.
The news will come as a boost to manager Wayne Rooney who spoke to Kirchner before the original proposal fell through and was impressed by the American's 'good ideas'.
After a month of looking for a takeover at Preston, Kirchner has gone back to Derby after hearing there was a better deal available for the stadium.
The American originally demanded that Mel Morris took less than £20million for the ground.
However, the local council are now in talks to buy the ground and then lease it over to the next owner of the club.
Kirchner and his team are said to have tabled a fresh offer and will attempt to rush through a move as soon as possible after seven months stuck in administration for the Championship side.
The Texas-based businessman is co-founder and chief executive of software company Slync.io, a global logistics technology provider.
He would have to pass the EFL director’s test and show his funds and where they came from.
The deal though could see Derby docked a further 15 points this season which would guarantee relegation.
Potential buyers must agree to pay unsecured football creditors at least 25 per cent of what they are owed, otherwise the club would lose a minimum of 15 points.
It would mean though that the club would start in League One next season without having to deal with a massive penalty.
Kirchner wrote on Twitter in December: 'It is with real sadness that I can confirm I am withdrawing from the process to buy Derby County Football Club.
'First and foremost, I would like to apologise to the fans. As you know, I've been in talks with the administrators for about two months.
'Two weeks ago, I made a formal offer to buy the club. I believe I presented a very detailed, generous and ambitious long-term sustainable business plan.
'It included purchasing the stadium, future funding and maintaining the academy's status. We improved that offer further today.
'I wanted to agree a deal that I thought was in the best interests of all parties but, unfortunately, the last 24 hours has proven that just isn't possible. So it is with deep regret that I must now stand aside and let the administrators pursue their own course.'
The Lancashire Evening Post confirmed that Kirchner had agreed a price in February but made two revised offers at a lower price with purchases of land and club facilities rumoured to be the sticking point.
Kirchner has been incredibly vocal on both his failed takeover attempts, using Twitter as his vehicle of communication.
Earlier this week, he took to Twitter and posted: 'In time, everything will make sense.'
The EFL have been given proof of funds only until the end of the season, meaning the 138-year-old Derby face liquidation if the situation does not change before then.
They have been deducted a total of 21 points this term and Rooney has done a remarkable job to have them still with an outside chance of survival – six points adrift of safety with six games left after their 1-0 victory over Preston.