Salford Red Devils fire sale imminent with salary cap and quota dispensations considered
A fire sale of Salford Red Devils' players appears imminent after clubs were told to declare their interest in the players they would like to sign. In the last 24 hours, clubs have been contacted by senior figures at the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial outlining Salford's latest perilous position, with the club facing yet another cash flow issue.
Sources across Super League have confirmed that they have received calls from either RFL chief executive Tony Sutton or RL Commercial chief Rhodri Jones to inform them that Salford will be selling players as part of a process that has seen them told to cut their costs by around £700,000.
But such is the severity of Salford's latest financial issue, clubs have now been informed that the RFL will consider granting salary cap and quota dispensations should it enable more offers, which would help Salford get through the rest of the month. Clubs have been told that simply cutting costs is now not enough to get Salford through their current predicament but with some clubs up to salary cap, dispensations will be considered as it could facilitate more offers that would provide the cash injection required.
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As a result, clubs have been instructed to make offers for players and it is believed that all bids placed will also be directed to the RFL, who will then go through a process of going through the offers and determining which players will be sold to ensure the Reds have the cash they need while also reducing their costs.
Some clubs are also thought to be considering player swap proposals given it is likely Salford will need to find players so they have a squad for the upcoming season.
The focus of some clubs is already known. Hull FC have shown interest in Deon Cross and Marc Sneyd, while the latter has suitors across the competition.
But what is inevitable now is that there will be considerable player movement out of Salford, a bitterly disappointing reality for a club that has been desperate to avoid selling players. In the last two years they have sold Tyler Dupree, Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers. Now, further sales are set to take place.
Since being placed under enhanced special measures in November after receiving a central funding advancement of £500,000, Salford have been exploring investment opportunities. But none of those have materialised and with further revenue streams yet to come to fruition, action is now required to secure their short-term future.
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