Next Derby owners face extra £1m legal bill as Middlesbrough and Wycombe compensation claims head for ugly court battle

DERBY’S next owners face an EXTRA £1million-plus legal bill as compensation claims by Middlesbrough and Wycombe head for an ugly court battle.

Boss Wayne Rooney’s Rams hope to come out of administration soon but the successful bidders are set for a long and expensive fight with their two EFL rivals.

Steve Gibson’s Boro want around £45m and Wycombe £6m for lost revenue that they claim Derby cost them by breaking FFP rules.

It has been a headache for the administrators Quantuma.

They do not plan for either to be paid and the way of sorting the dispute looks likely to be a legal fight and possible counter actions.

The administrators are now confident of agreeing a deal with HMRC over a tax bill of around £27m.

But the Boro and Wycombe dispute cannot be solved easily.

So the next owner will have to take on that massive issue straight away, but the wrangle could run for years.

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American bidder Chris Kirchner was uncomfortable with this position and wanted guarantees he would not face a hefty bill if they lost.

He was also keen to offer LESS for the stadium than the £20m Mel Morris wants — and that was a handicap in his bid.

Other parties may take a chance on the legal route but will have to pledge to foot the bill.

A group including former owner Andy Appleby and sidekick Jez Moxey are trying to finalise a deal.

They could add former Wolves chief Steve Morgan to their ranks and also a Canadian backer.

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