Derby set to be given a 12-point penalty after a breakthrough in talks with the EFL

Derby County are set to be handed a 12-point penalty after a breakthrough in talks with the EFL.

Wayne Rooney’s Rams are facing a nine-point deduction this season – which would plunge them to the bottom of the Championship – with three suspended until next season.

Sportsmail understands that an ‘agreement in principle’ has been reached between Derby officials and the EFL over the tally to be taken away after an often-bitter 18-month row following the club’s breaching of financial regulations.

However, discussions over an agreed business plan remained ongoing on Wednesday night and agreement remained elusive.

Sources disclosed there is a widespread belief the end is now in sight, with both club and league expecting to make an announcement later this week.

Initial agreement of the points tally is a considerable step towards a conclusion, but agreement for the club’s accounting is needed.

Derby, who are up for sale, were initially charged in January 2020 and cleared. But an appeal from the EFL resulted in a £100,000 fine in June this year.

The East Midlands outfit were then told to ‘submit revised and restated accounts’ for the years ending 30 June 2016, 2017 and 2018 by August 18.

Derby, who avoided relegation on the final day of last season, are under a transfer embargo, which restricts them to free transfers and loans. 

Owner Mel Morris is keen to find a buyer and there are hopes that a settlement will open the door for interested parties.

Given the backdrop, the club have started the season better than many had feared. Following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at leaders West Bromwich Albion they sat in mid-table with seven points.

Should it be applied before their next match, with Stoke City on Saturday, a nine-point penalty would put them bottom of the table on minus two points, six points away from safety. 

More to follow.