Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has shared some potentially massive news for Derby County supporters as they anxiously await confirmation of Chris Kirchner’s takeover.

The Lowdown: Kirchner deal close

The American has this week tweeted from his personal account that the deal is done, but his ownership of the Rams is still dependant on the ownership of Pride Park.

The 34 year-old now has until May 31 to complete the finer details of the takeover after being granted conditional approval by the EFL this week.

However, a new fear emerged away from the dealings in the boardroom recently, as a report suggested the Rams could lose 15 points next term due to outstanding debts.

Nixon himself has also revealed a possible additional three-point hit next season if they fail to pay the playing staff’s wages for the month of May.

The Latest: Nixon shares good news

Nixon, sharing an update on that potentially horrific start to League One life, has now claimed the club will not be deducted the 15 points if Kirchner’s deal goes through.

"The offer should mean that’s avoided… if the deal is done," Nixon tweeted in response to a fan question about the points hit.

The Verdict: Catastrophe avoided

Failure to sort the pay issue could still cost Wayne Rooney’s side an immediate three-point deduction at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, but 15 more could have followed due to the looming issues with debts.

Given the impact the separate points deductions had this term – the Rams would have done more than enough to stay up without them – it would have been a pretty catastrophic way to make the step down to the third tier.

Now, with Kirchner seemingly ironing out the last details before the end of May, this could be a massive month in the history of Derby County football club, and hopefully for all the right reasons.