Derby County & Middlesbrough agree 'resolution' over compensation claim

Derby County and Middlesbrough say they have reached a "resolution" over the compensation claim brought against the Rams by their fellow Championship side.

But the clubs say former Rams owner Mel Morris has now reached an "accord" with Boro owner and chairman Steve Gibson.

"The basis of that accord will remain private but details have been shared with administrators," a statement said.

• EFL rejects Derby attempts to use insolvency laws to settle debts

Middlesbrough finished seventh three seasons ago, a point behind Derby, in a campaign where the Rams reached the Championship play-off final.

Wycombe, relegated last season after finishing a point adrift of the Rams, have put a similar claim into motion, alleging, like Boro, that Derby's financial irregularities unfairly affected the final standings.

Rams boss Wayne Rooney welcomed the agreement, having described the legal wrangle as "the main stumbling block" in Derby's ongoing search for new owners.

"I've been pushing and pushing about getting new owners in and this is a big step to allow that to happen," he said.

"So now the next step is obviously the administrators engaging with the preferred bidders and getting the right one in."

In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio Derby, Andrew Hosking, of administrators Quantuma, said "several parties" remained interested in purchasing the Rams and added he expects a preferred bidder to be named within 10 days.

"It's a huge breakthrough. I think the fans will be pleasantly surprised by the speed things will move at now," he added.

• Watch full BBC Radio Derby interview with Andrew Hosking by clicking here.

Morris, who still owns Pride Park but put Derby into administration in September, had invited Boro and Wycombe to take out their High Court compensation claims against him personally, instead of the club.

Wycombe's claim remains unresolved but BBC Sport understands Chairboys owner Rob Couhig is flying in from the United States this weekend in a bid to iron out the issue.

Middlesbrough, who sit outside the Championship's play-offs by virtue of goal difference in seventh place, host Derby - 23rd but just four points off safety despite a 21-point deduction - on Saturday.

"The fact that a resolution has been discussed and agreed should be comforting to both sets of supporters," the statement released by the Rams added.

It had previously been suggested a total payment of about £7m would settle the issues involving Middlesbrough and Wycombe.

'Not going to be best friends' - Rooney

Friday's joint statement stressed that both parties had been keen to resolve the issue prior to Saturday's meeting between the two sides at the Riverside Stadium.

But Rooney suggested in his pre-match press conference that relations between the club might not completely thaw immediately.

"From myself and the players' point of view, our focus is solely on the game," the former Manchester United and England striker said.

"In terms of everyone else around the club, I'm sure it's not going to be 'best friends' but at least it's a step in the right direction today."

Asked if he would shake Boro chief Gibson's hand, Rooney said: "Of course. Do I agree with what's been going on? No. But I would show him the respect of shaking his hand.

"I don't know him personally so that's not an issue to me - the issue was that we get this sorted and do everything we can our end to make sure we move forward.

"I don't know the timeframe on when the preferred bidder is going to come but now hopefully that brings them back to the table and speeds things up."

Following the announcement, Derby supporters group Rams Trust urged the English Football League to "accept this agreement, to enable the takeover to be completed".

An EFL statement said: "The EFL welcomes today's positive development. The league will now continue to work with all relevant parties on finding the appropriate solutions that will secure a long-term future for Derby County."