A DECISION on the revival of Salford Red Devils will not be made until Wednesday, December 17.
Following an RFL board meeting on Thursday, prospective groups have been given until next Thursday, December 11, to submit their ownership plans.
The governing body will then make a judgement on which to back in creating a phoenix club, after the old one went into liquidation.
Total Rugby League understands that there are now four separate groups in the running.
Two have publicly declared their interest – one involving ex-Salford chief executive Chris Irwin, and another fronted by former player Mason Caton-Brown.
Tracy Atiga is behind a further bid, while an unidentified fourth group is also believed to have approached the RFL.
Although Irwin has not confirmed who he is working with, he is believed to be involved in rescue efforts alongside Jack Youd, the deputy mayor of Salford Council, who own the CorpAcq (Salford Community) Stadium.
Irwin said on Wednesday: “A consortium and I, who we will name in due course, have been working in the background to create a realistic and sustainable business plan to take the fabric of our beloved club and start again.
“Conversations have already begun with a prospective head coach, staff and potential players to take the club forward.”
Caton-Brown’s bid is being backed Malcolm Crompton, former chairman of the Forever Reds Supporters Trust, businessman Paul Hancock and local technology entrepreneur Ashley Washington.
“Salford means everything to me as a club and is part of my story,” said Caton-Brown.
“We want to create something the city can be proud of again; a club that stands for honesty, sustainability, and genuine community connection.”
Atiga, who led an unsuccessful bid to create a Hawaii-based rugby union franchise, set up a company under the name Salford City Reds 2025 in October.
However the RFL are not expected to entertain proposals from any figures seen as associated with the previous owners.
Some of the groups are being encouraged to combine their resources in a decisive week before the RFL determine who to give the old Salford licence – and place in the Championship – to.
Salford are slated to open the season on Friday, January 16.