A proposed friendly game between Derby County and Leeds United, which had been confirmed by the Rams and set for the international break in March, appears now set to not go ahead.

Both Championship teams had been eyeing the friendly fixture as part of their battle with the Football League over the Sky TV deal, with Derby owner Mel Morris looking to show what revenue opportunities are available outside the broadcasting restrictions within the EFL.




The fixture would have been expected to have attracted significant attention and would have taken place at some point after 18th March and before 1st April, but now it may not happen.

Indeed, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds have turned down the proposal after initially discussing the idea with Derby.
 


The fixture was viewed by some Leeds fans as a distraction at a time when the Whites are chasing promotion to the Premier League.

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However, with Derby having confirmed the friendly at the end of December, Leeds not taking part is a blow for the Rams.

Leeds and Derby recently locked horns in the Championship at Elland Road in front of over 25,000 fans.

Garry Monk's Whites claimed a 1-0 win and now sit third in the Championship standings, while Derby under Steve McClaren are seventh and eight points behind Leeds.