Derby County have reached an agreement with the EFL regarding their punishment for breaching financial regulations.
What's the latest?
That's according to a claim made by Mike Keegan, with the Daily Mail journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Derby have agreed to a 12 point penalty, nine of which will be deducted from their current points tally this season, with the other three suspended until next term.
However, a further report by the Daily Mail revealed that, as yet, there has been no agreement reached regarding an EFL imposed business plan, while a resolution regarding the club's accounting is also required before the Rams' can conclude their 18-month battle with the league's governing body.
In his tweet, Keegan said: "I'm told agreement in principle has been reached between Derby County and the EFL. Would see club docked nine points now, with three (12 in total) suspended. No deal yet over business plan. Talks ongoing but this is being viewed as key breakthrough."
Fans will be livid
While it is undoubtedly good news that Derby have finally made progress towards settling their ongoing argument with the EFL, something that has now been hanging over the club for a year and a half, the fact that Wayne Rooney's side look to have agreed a nine-point deduction to their current total is sure to have left fans livid.
Indeed, with the club having maintained their innocence throughout their fight with the EFL, agreeing to a penalty which will see the club sent to the bottom of the Championship table - if applied before their fixture against Stoke City on Saturday - certainly seems to be something of an admission of guilt.
Furthermore, while Rooney's side surprised many with their decent level of performances so far this season, picking up seven points over their opening seven fixtures of the 2021/22 Championship campaign, the impact of suddenly finding themselves seven points away from safety is sure to be negative on the 35-year-old manager, his players and fans of the club.
In other news: Derby County confirm exciting transfer news which is sure to have Rams fans buzzing