Salford Red Devils receive player transfer enquiries as clubs circle

Super League clubs have started to make recruitment plans in anticipation of Salford Red Devils needing to sell players. The club, who are experiencing fresh financial issues, have already received a number of expressions of interest from rival clubs ahead of Monday's latest meeting about the club's current issues.

Rugby League Live is aware of at least four Super League clubs who have already made contact with the Reds about their players, with a growing reality emerging where Salford will have to cash in on some of their players to overcome their latest issues.

Internally, Salford want to avoid going down the route of letting players depart, with CEO Paul King explaining in Thursday's meeting with Super League owners that the club sees selling stars as counterproductive due to the impact it has on season card sales.

READ MORE: John Bateman faces uncertain future with NRL move looking set to collapse

READ MORE: Salford Red Devils attract investment interest as club seeks solution to financial crisis

But clubs think that stance is unreasonable given Salford are asking for an advancement of central funding to the tune of £500,000 and it appears likely any support that comes centrally will do so with conditions, which will most likely include the sale of players.

As such, Salford's rivals have started identifying players that they would like to sign if the opportunity arises, and it now appears likely that there will be recruitment activity in the coming days unless Salford can come up with something significant tomorrow.

Salford have been desperate to get rid of its reputation as a selling club, having sold Tyler Dupree, Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers last year. Unfortunately for them and their coach Paul Rowley, that unwanted reality is likely to come to a head once again.

Across the competition, there are clubs who are still looking to recruit. Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants and Leigh Leopards still have quota spots while Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity are still thought to have salary cap space should they wish to recruit.

Monday's meeting was arranged to provide Salford with more time to deliver additional detail on their position, with Super League wanting to know more, which will give them the assurances that the club has long-term viability.

The Reds have highlighted the ongoing wait for the takeover of the Salford Community Stadium, which is being acquired by Salford City Council, as the main reason for their current plight. Revenue streams they had forecasted haven't been able to be activated yet while the takeover continues to be in process.

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel