According to The Sun, former Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook is the figure behind a fresh takeover attempt of Derby County involving a US consortium.
The Rams owner Mel Morris is keen to sell the east Midlands club.
Morris has already seen failed bids from Sheikh Khaled and Spaniard Erik Alonso over the past six months, with the latter failing to provide proof of funds to the EFL.
Derby’s off-field issues have resulted in struggles on the pitch as Wayne Rooney’s side only starved off relegation to League One on the final day of the campaign.
Rooney has since called for Derby to resolve their problems and move forward.
EFL charges and a failure to secure new owners yet could hinder the club’s progress this summer and affect Rooney’s ability to add much-needed quality to the squad.
But according to The Sun, Derby may have an answer amid Garry Cook’s involvement.
Cook is said to be in talks with Morris regarding a takeover involving a US consortium, with the first task of resolving the club’s financial difficulties and reported debts.
The former City chief executive has a history of brokering some major deals, including the Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City which has transformed the club beyond imagination.
City have risen from a side flirting with relegation to a European powerhouse, winning the Premier League title three times in the past four seasons under Pep Guardiola.
Sheikh Mansour’s group have invested over £1 billion into City since their takeover in 2008, vastly improving not just the playing squad but also the infrastructure around the club.
Also see: Report: Derby figure could be removed from EFL role after Championship rivals complain
Also see: Report: Brighton lead way for sought-after Derby talent amid financial struggles