A Middle East consortium that once publicly vowed to buy Newcastle United are back in the headlines and are now being linked with a takeover at Derby County.
The Rams are now wanted by the Bin Zayed Group with the cousin of Man City owner Sheikh Mansour, Sheikh Khale bin Zayed Al Nehayan, looking to buy the Rams, according to the Athletic.
A new UK company set up by the group attended a recent game against Watford at Pride Park.
However, the interest in Newcastle last year petered out after bold talk of a £350million bid.
The Bin Zayed Group said in 2019: "In response to the numerous reports in the world media this morning, we would like to comment as follows, we can confirm that representatives of His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan are in discussions with Mike Ashley and his team, about the proposed acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club.
"We view it as an honor to have the opportunity to build on the strong support, history and tradition of the club.
"We have agreed terms and are working hard to complete the transaction at the earliest opportunity."
But Mike Ashley responded later that year when he said: "The last bid, the one from UAE, he's a prince and he's got £38bn or £100bn, all these numbers — well, why would you even care what you're paying then? What difference would £10m either way make? You would want speed, you would want certainty, you would want the keys and to get on with it.
"I will not stand in the way of Newcastle United. I will not stop that, if it happens."
