Sheikh Khaled dumps Derby County takeover project

Sheikh Khaled’s attempt at buying Derby County has finally hit the rocks following his eleventh hour change of heart.

The Telegraph says Derby have ended protracted takeover negotiations with Sheikh Khaled after almost a year of talks.

Mel Morris, the Derby owner and chairman, is said to be furious after the Dubai-based businessman failed to meet a final deadline to complete the deal.

It is understood the group had until Monday to deliver necessary funds, but with no resolution the deal is off and Derby are now pursuing other options.

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This will be the third time that Sheikh Khaled, cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour, has failed with an attempt to buy an English football club after failures with Liverpool and, of course, Newcastle.