Billionaire Michael Dell in talks over 'major' investment in Derby County - after dropping Sunderland interest

Dell was previously part of a group interested in a takeover of Sunderland AFC, with colleagues John Phelan, Robert Platek and Glenn Fuhrman leading a drive to purchase the club from Stewart Donald. Dell was set to be come a minority, passive shareholder.

But takeover talks ultimately stalled, with Phelan, Platek and Fuhrman forming a new company – FPP Sunderland – which provided Donald’s holding company Madrox Partners with a £10million.

And reports from the Telegraph now claim that Dell is in advanced talks over providing a ‘major investment’ in Derby, who themselves have been seeking fresh investment for two years.

The Rams are also understood to be in talks with London-based financier Henry Gabay over an investment deal, but several off-field factors – including the sacking of club captain Richard Keogh and a charge from the EFL – reportedly saw talks stall.

Gabay is still believed to be interested in striking a deal with the Rams, but the Telegraph now claim that Dell is emerging as a ‘genuine rival.’

It remains unclear whether this investment will come from Dell himself or his investment vehicle, MSD Capital.

Dell was expected to play a minor role at Sunderland had his partners completed a takeover, and was never seen on Wearside.

The aforementioned investment deal was agreed in November, with the loan secured against Madrox Partners’ assets.