Town boss Joe Royle is being linked with a summer move to Derby County. The Rams' prospective new owners are reported to be ready to offer Royle the manager's job at Pride Park if their bid for the Midlands club goes through.

A consortium of five local businessmen led by ex-chairman Peter Gadsby is currently looking at the books with the club reportedly more than £40 million in debt. Royle is understood to be seen as the man to improve the club's on-field fortunes should the takeover be successful.

The Town manager has another year left on his deal with the Blues and is confident that he has assembled a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.

Royle, 57 at the weekend, is unlikely to want to swap Portman Road for what is likely to be a big struggle at Pride Park and has stated on a number of occasions that his current managerial position will be the last of his career.

Ironically, ex-Town boss George Burley was brought to Derby to carry out a similar role two years ago, taking the Rams to the play-offs during his one season in charge.

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