Wayne Rooney, the Derby County manager, has added his considerable voice to the backing of prospective new owner Chris Kirchner.
The American is the co-founder of a global logistics company and has recently confirmed his intention to purchase the stricken club. He penned an open letter to Derby fans last week.
The club, who were docked 12 points after entering administration earlier this season, have been beset by a myriad of off-field problems.
But Rooney is hopeful that Kirchner, 43, can be the man to finally take the club forward.
The American attended County's 2-2 draw against Luton Town earlier this month and was also shown around the club's training ground.
A report in the Sun claims Kirchner has lodged a £50m bid for the club.
Speaking to the BBC, Rooney said: "He was at the game last week. I spent a bit of time with him. He's got some really good ideas.
"He is a very good businessman and I am sure he wouldn't be putting his name to a public statement (letter) if he didn't mean what he is trying to do at the club."
Andrew Hosking, joint administrator and managing director at Quantuma, has confirmed Kirchner's interest.
He said: "I can confirm that Mr Kirchner has submitted an offer to the joint administrators to acquire Derby County Football Club out of administration.
"While Mr Kirchner’s offer is fully funded and indeed he is one of the parties whom we have stated is credible, it has a number of related conditions which the joint administrators need to work through and consider whether these conditions can be met.
"We are continuing to work with other credible interested parties seeking to acquire the club, and the sales process is continuing."
Derby were the subject of two botched takeovers earlier this year and after staying up on the final day of last season, the club have lurched from one crisis to another.
However, there is now genuine hope that the Kirchner interest is genuine and that a deal can be done.
Despite their handicap, handed down by the EFL for a breach of accounting policies, Rooney's side are only six points adrift of safety and are unbeaten in their last five outings although they have drawn four on the spin.
