Soccer-Kirchner set to be new Derby owner after exchanging contracts

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Championship - Derby County v AFC Bournemouth - Pride Park, Derby, Britain - November 21, 2021 General view outside the stadium before the match Molly Darlington/Action Images/File Photo

(Reuters) - American businessman Chris Kirchner is set to be the new owner of Derby County by the end of this month after administrators for the English club said they had exchanged contracts.

Completion of the sale is expected by May 31 and Kirchner, who was named preferred bidder in April, said his team would now focus on rebuilding the side who were relegated to the third-tier last month.