Derby's owners have denied that former chairman Peter Gadsby had make an offer to takeover the npower Championship club.
Local businessman Gadsby, a lifelong Rams fans, claimed to have submitted an offer to the Rams' American owner General Sports and Entertainment (GSE) almost a year since previously attempting to regain control of the club.
But a statement on the club's official website, www.dcfc.co.uk, read: "The ownership group can confirm it recently received a letter from a third party, acting as a representative of Mr Gadsby. There was no offer made in this letter. In addition, this letter did not specify how Mr Gadsby intends to involve himself with the club."
Derby have lost nine of their last 12 Championship matches and could be facing another relegation battle, with Nigel Clough's side also suffering an embarrassing FA Cup defeat to Crawley last month.
Fans protested against the board following Saturday's defeat to east midlands rivals Leicester and there were also protests after the previous home game, a defeat against Ipswich.
Gadsby stepped down as Rams chairman in October 2007 and although GSE confirmed there has been contact with one of his representatives, they insist no offer was made and that they are not willing to sell the club.
The statement continued: "The club's ownership group has responded in writing and has had no subsequent contact with either Mr Gadsby, or this third party, prior to today's public comments made through the media.
"The club is disappointed but not surprised that Mr Gadsby has yet again chosen to conduct his affairs through the press.
"The ownership group remains committed to the club, remains committed to delivering a winning team on the pitch and will not deviate from the strategy that has put Derby County on a sound financial footing for the first time in many years."
Source: PA
