Millwall move on to other targets after being told Derby County target is not for sale

Millwall have ended their attempts to sign Derby County’s Louie Sibley after the club’s administrators told them the midfielder is not for sale.

The Lions were keen on a deal for the 20-year-old and tabled a fourth offer of £450,000 for Sibley this week.

But Derby’s administrators Quantuma have indicated that the player, under contract until 2024, will not be moving on in this window. Millwall have moved on to pursuing other targets.

The Rams could face expulsion from the league if they cannot prove they have funding in place to fulfil their fixtures.

“Given the uncertainty around future funding, the league has advised that no extensions or new player registrations will be permitted, ” said the EFL as part of a lengthy statement issued earlier this week. “And this position had already been communicated to the club prior to the administrator’s latest statement on Friday January 14. The EFL will continue to work with the club as it updates its forecasts.

“Suggestions the EFL want Derby County relegated or expelled are completely fabricated and entirely false. The EFL continues to advise the club and its administrators in respect of all current requirements. This includes the administrator’s obligations in respect of a funding plan and providing all necessary clarity on the credibility of any potential investors in the context of its regulations.

“The EFL understands it continues to be a challenging and worrying period for everybody associated with Derby County, especially the staff and supporters, and it is our intention to continue to work proactively with the administrators and relevant stakeholders to find a process which will give clarity quickly.”