It has only been a matter of days since Mike Ashley sold Newcastle United in a £305m deal, but he is now eyeing up a move to rescue Derby County.
The businessman's 14-year reign as the Magpies owner ended on Thursday, with a Saudi-led consortium completing the takeover after recieving Premier League approval.
According to the Mirror, sources close to Ashley claimed that he is interested in buying Derby, who are currently in administration.
The switch could make sense considering Ashley’s Sports Direct headquarters is situated just over 30 miles from Pride Park in Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire.
There has been mixed reaction to the news, but Leeds United supporters have got involved on social media to give their reaction considering the rivalry between the two clubs.
Here's what some had to say.
@BarneyLUFC21: It’s a perfect match for Ashley and Derby and he’d probably do a pretty good job with them too
@plowman85: The icing on the cake!!
@Grahamnoble12: Perfect fit
@Tom_on_his_bike: When your club is up against the wall, you would take anything that is offered. Would we really have said no in 2007?
@BrettStorey83: They're just desperate, we did the same with Bates
@ConorMcGilligxn: Funniest thing about this is Derby fans supporting him
@Michael_Green_: This is so funny I have cracked a rib. #lufc
@bielsaball28: Just when you think it couldnt get any worse for them!!
The Whites last played Derby in July 2020 just after promotion to the Premier League was secured and it's safe to say the East Midlands side have struggled since.
In the midst of financial issues off the pitch, the Rams didn't do much better on it and just managed to stay up on the final day with a 3-3 draw against Sheffield Wednesday.
But they have managed to make a reasonable start to this season despite only being able to sign free agents in the summer transfer window.
Wayne Rooney's side have lost just three from their first 11 league matches, although they still still bottom after being deducted 12 points due to administration.
Ashley is one of the interested parties and would provide the financial stability to back Rooney with the club likely to be in League One next term.
