Turki Alalshikh stake revealed as Derby set for imminent billionaire takeover - Keith Wyness
Turki Alalshikh is about to buy up to 75 per cent of Derby County with his imminent takeover.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that current owner David Clowes will have held the key to the proposed deal getting EFL approval.
Clowes intends to stay on as chairman, but has recently admitted that he doesn't have the funds to truly help the club push for the Premier League.
Wyness believes that Clowes and Alalshikh could form an "effective" partnership with the East Midlands outfit, and hailed the local businessman for the role that he has played so far.
Alalshikh's takeover is now in the final stages before it goes through, with recent reports suggesting that it is potentially just days away from being given the green light.
The Saudi Arabian government official has a net worth of around £2.8billion, which would instantly make Derby one of the Championship's richest clubs.
David Clowes to stay at Derby for EFL nous
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the intention is for Clowes to remain as the eyes and ears across the EFL for the new regime.
The 57-year-old is established at Pride Park after four years in charge of the Rams, and Wyness believes that it is important that Alalshikh won't be completely running things alone.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he explained why it could prove to be an effective pairing for Derby.
"I think what he's doing to get the approval through from the independent football regulator and also the EFL, they wanted to have David Clowes still involved and having a big say in things. So I think that's helped," Wyness said.
"David Clowes has done a great job to get the club back on its feet after Mel Morris. He's admitted himself. He hasn't got the deep pockets to take the club further. And as we all know, Championship clubs just lose money.
"Derby had a great season last season, just missed the playoffs. John Eustace is doing a great job, and they've done alright in the transfer window.
"I think Clowes will probably end up with 25 per cent of his own shareholding that he'll probably keep, and he will be an effective chairman.
"He will be the one who will be seen, keeping his ear to the ground and knowing the other EFL teams. And I think that's important that it isn't just a Saudi-run issue."
Derby locked in race to buy David Ozoh
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Derby are battling Hull City and FC Koln to buy Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh this summer.
The 21-year-old is understood to have impressed new Eagles boss Pierre Sage in pre-season, but there is a growing feeling that a lucrative offer would likely see him sold.
Ozoh has spent the last two seasons on loan at Derby, but there is also now growing interest in him from the Premier League and across Europe.
The Rams remain huge fans of the youngster, but it may not be easy for them to get him back on a permanent basis.