The disarray still affecting Derby County after latest takeover development as Portsmouth rivals miss out on Marlon Pack following Cardiff City exit

Pompey’s rivals have been left with as few as five first-team players, as they remain in administration ahead of the new campaign.

And their parlous state means any hopes Wayne Rooney has of rebuilding his squad remains in a state of flux.

The Rams were today afforded a chink of light amid the darkness, as prospective buyer David Clowes announced he will make a bid to buy the club after purchasing their Pride Park stadium.

The stadium deal, with former Derby owner Mel Morris, had been a hindrance to other proposed takeover progressing, as Chris Kirchner withdrew his bid earlier this month.

Derby were rivalling Pompey for Marlon Pack’s signature, before the Buckland boy’s return to Fratton Park was confirmed on Wednesday.

Davies is just hoping a quick ownership resolution can allow his club to make progress when it comes to on-pitch issues.

He told Sky Sports: ‘It’s a strange situation.

‘We thought last season was strange, but that was the start of it.

‘We came in with 10 players, but that’s actually good compared to this season - we’ve got five, maybe seven depending on extensions.