Phillip Cocu is a deadman walking at Derby but out-going owner Mel Morris is reluctant to pull the trigger as it would cost him up to £4million.
The Rams chief is very close to selling the club for £60million to Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan after the EFL approved the deal.
The takeover is expected to be completed soon despite County propping up the Championship. Morris is unhappy with boss Cocu and his tactics after just one win in 11 games this season despite the presence of Wayne Rooney on £100,000-a-week.
But former Holland international Cocu, 50, still has the majority of his contract left after joining on a four-year deal in July 2019.
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