Derby County are heading for another row with the Football League after turning down bids for players.
Quantuma, the club’s administrators, have rejected offers from Millwall for midfielder Louie Sibley and Premier League approaches for Lee Buchanan, the defender.
Derby manager Wayne Rooney claimed the bids for Sibley and Buchanan were “ridiculous” on Friday, but a number of rival Championship clubs are understood to be furious and have contacted the EFL.
With Derby in administration and under a business plan for breaking financial rules, clubs are demanding to know how Quantuma have been allowed to spurn cash offers for players.
Clubs in administration are advised to accept “appropriate” offers to assist cash-flow.
It is also understood that Quantuma have made a fresh attempt to resolve Derby’s legal dispute with Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson.
Middlesbrough have launched a compensation claim against Derby of over £40 million for lost revenue in missing out on promotion four seasons ago, but it is understood talks have not progressed at this stage.
Derby owe over £60 million to creditors including HMRC and American investment company MSD, after sliding into administration in September.
In a statement last week from Quantuma joint administrator Carl Jackson, it was confirmed that offers have been turned down.
He said: “While we cannot guarantee there will be no player sales, we are committed to maintaining the quality and integrity of the squad to enable it to continue to compete in the division.”
Quantuma hope to name a preferred bidder for the club later this month, with former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley preparing a late takeover bid.
As reported by Telegraph Sport on Friday, Ashley has held talks with Quantuma and is considering an offer.
One other party in contention to purchase the club is fronted by former Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey, working on behalf of General Sports Worldwide, which includes former Derby chairman Andrew Appleby and former chief executive Sam Rush.
Derby are currently bottom of the Championship, after a 21-point deduction for administration and historical financial breaches under former owner Mel Morris.
They face Sheffield United at home this Saturday.
