And BBC Sport understands that former chairman Andy Appleby is working on an alternative bid that also includes Derby's Pride Park stadium, which is owned by former club owner Mel Morris.

Quantuma, who had hoped to name a preferred bidder earlier this month, have until 1 February to meet the EFL's statutory requirement for proof of how Derby will be funded for the rest of the season.

An EFL spokesperson said: "Following positive developments over the course of the weekend, a proposed meeting involving the EFL and political stakeholders to discuss the ongoing challenges at Derby County set for later today (Monday) has been postponed to allow for additional progress to be made by the administrators.

"It is now expected that the League and the administrators will sit down in the next 24 hours as we seek to resolve the outstanding issues to the satisfaction of all parties."

Young defender Williams makes Chelsea move

News of Tuesday's meeting follows Derby's sale of teenage defender Dylan Williams to Chelsea.

Williams, 18, joins the Champions League holders for an undisclosed fee and is the fifth player the Rams have moved on in this transfer window.

After making his debut aged 17 in last season's FA Cup third-round loss to non-league Chorley, Williams has made nine Rams first-team appearances.

His departure follows those of David Marshall, Phil Jagielka,Graeme Shinnie and Jordan Brown.

Williams is expected to figure in Chelsea's development sides in the short term.

Up-for-sale Derby sit second bottom of the Championship, eight points from safety, following Saturday's derby defeat by Nottingham Forest.

Placed in administration in September by Morris and deducted 21 points, Derby have so far battled hard against relegation to League One under manager Wayne Rooney.

But their main fight this season is to keep afloat - and avoid the growing threat of liquidation if they cannot conclude a deal to buy the club.