Middlesbrough’s response to EFL statement as Serie A side seek to land youngster from Derby County

Middlesbrough Football Club say they are ready to attend a meeting on Derby County’s current situation.

Derby has been in administration since September and the search for a new owner continues, leaving fans deeply concerned about the future of their club.

There are parties interested in rescuing the club, but no preferred bidder has yet been named and the takeover saga continues.

There are also ongoing claims against the Wycombe Wanderers and Middlesbrough Rams.

Wycombe chairman Rob Couhig responded to the EFL’s latest statement, as did Middlesbrough, which issued a statement.

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CONFIDENT JORDAN

Simon Jordan remains confident Derby County will survive its financial crisis.

The EFL issued another statement last night calling on all stakeholders to engage in dialogue to resolve the latest heist as the club desperately tries to secure a takeover and stay in existence.

This dialogue, according to the EFL, must include club administrators Quantuma, Middlesbrough, Wycombe Wanderers, HMRC, MSD Capital and the club’s former owner Mel Morris, who still owns Pride Park Stadium.

Worryingly, the EFL statement said it disagreed with Quantuma’s assertion that Middlesbrough and Wycombe’s claims for loss of income, if successful, should not be dealt with like a football debt.

The latest development has left Rams fans worried, but pundit and former Crystal Palace owner Jordan still believes a solution will be found but says a compromise will be needed for the club to escape liquidation and to prevent stakeholders from ending up empty-handed.

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ITALIAN WORK

Derby County’s Festy Ebosele could join Udinese this summer.

The 19-year-old is undergoing a medical with the Serie A side ahead of a move to Italy, it has been learned.

Sky Sports international reporter Gianluca Di Marzio tweeted: “@Udinese_1896 medicals in progress for #Ebosele from #DerbyCounty.”

Ebosele, who made 22 appearances for the Derby side’s first season, is out of contract at the end of June.

Derby remain in administration and under a transfer embargo which currently prevents them from signing or extending or offering new contracts to players.

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ATTACKER SIGNS

Former Derby County striker Sam Baldock has signed for Oxford United until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old was a free agent after his contract at Derby was not renewed last month.

Baldock had joined the Rams on a short-term deal in August and had scored two goals in 14 appearances.

His brother George is a former Oxford player and his brother James the current club doctor.

“There are strong links for us,” Sam told the Oxford website. “I used to go to the Manor when I was little and watch Oxford United and obviously with George and then James here I followed the fortunes of the club for a while.

“Once I knew the club’s interest it was an obvious choice for me and I’m delighted to be here. I’m still ambitious and want to be part of a successful team and I know that the club is improving all the time.”

FAN VERDICT ON EBOSELE

Derby County fans have reacted to news that Festy Ebosele could join Italian club Udinese this summer.

Reports in Italy say the 19-year-old is undergoing a medical with the Serie A side.

Ebosele, who made 22 appearances for the Derby side’s first season, is out of contract at the end of June.

Derby remain in administration and under a transfer embargo which currently prevents them from signing or extending or offering new contracts to players.

Derby have already sold youngsters Dylan Williams and Luke Plange.

Williams joined Chelsea while Plange signed for Crystal Palace, although he will remain on loan with Derby for the rest of the season.

Omari Kellyman, 16, an attacking midfielder or striker, is expected to join Aston Villa.

HERE’S what some fans are saying…