Exclusive: Mike Ashley launches High Court claim against Quantuma administrator Carl Jackson

Mike Ashley has launched a legal claim against Carl Jackson of Derby County's administrators Quantuma as the former Newcastle owner prepares to submit a renewed offer for the club.

Ashley's lawyers alleged that Carl Jackson, one of the joint administrators, made representations that he knew were false during potential takeover talks.

Legal documents allege that Ashley's group, MASH, were told they were named as preferred bidders in January and it is claimed Jackson failed to inform the Football League, despite insisting he would.

It is also alleged that Jackson did this with the intention that MASH would continue to engage in the bidding process, incurring costs in doing so, and to submit a formal bid which would drive up the price for other bidders.

MASH are insisting this conduct amounts to deceit and they are seeking damages, with the claim filed at the High Court earlier this week.

Quantuma were contacted for comment on Thursday and a spokeswoman on behalf of Mr Jackson said: "We are aware of a legal claim filed against Carl Jackson.

"The Joint Administrators have a duty to get the best price reasonably obtainable for the club by implementing a process that is fair to all prospective bidders and this remit has been followed throughout.

"We are not concerned by this claim, which we regard as frivolous, and we would like to reassure all parties that it will have no bearing on the successful sale of the club, which remains our overriding priority."

Ashley, it is understood, is still set to table another offer to save the club from liquidation this week, with the League One fixtures to be announced next week.

A spokesman for MASH said on Thursday night: "Mike Ashley believes that the stadium and the football club need to be purchased with the same owner, as there is no way Derby in its current position can justify paying rent for the stadium.

"If he was successful in purchasing the club and stadium, he would undertake that no rent would ever be paid for the stadium."

This latest development will bring further pressure on Quantuma, the business advisory firm, who were appointed as administrators in September.

Nearly nine months later the club is yet to be sold, with American businessman Chris Kirchner's takeover bid collapsing on Monday evening. Three other parties are understood to have submitted proposals this week: former Derby chairman Andy Appleby, ex-Wolves owner Steve Morgan and a local consortium.

Appleby's bid with group General Sports Worldwide is understood to be in excess of £40 million and is conditional on agreeing the purchase of Pride Park stadium, which is still owned by former Derby chairman Mel Morris.