Derby have lined up Rotherham boss Paul Warne for the club’s permanent manager job, according to the PA news agency.
Liam Rosenior had been backed by Derby’s new owners Clowes Developments to take ownership of the job after he was made temporary manager when Wayne Rooney stepped down in June.
But it has been reported that Rosenior, 38, has been relieved of his duties and offered himself a return to a coaching role at Pride Park, while Warne has emerged as their number one target.
An official approach for the 49-year-old is said to be imminent.
Warne has been in charge of the Millers since 2016 and has won promotion to Sky Bet League One three times – which will please the Rams.
Despite suffering three relegations from the Championship while working under severe financial constraints, Warne has guided Rotherham to eighth place after nine games this season – their best start at the second tier since the 1960s.
Rosenior had been Rooney’s assistant during Derby’s financial troubles, which placed them in administration and relegated to third tier last campaign.
The former Brighton manager inherited a squad of just five first-team players before the club left administration when Clowes completed his takeover.
After a late influx of players, the Rams have won four of their nine Ligue 1 games this season under Rosenior and are currently seventh.
