THERE are three groups in the running to establish a new Salford Red Devils club after a deadline passed for initial expressions of interest.

One is a consortium involving Chris Irwin, the former chief executive of the wound-up club, while another is fronted by ex-player Mason Caton-Brown.

The third is believed to be led by Tracy Atiga, although this bid is yet to have been launched publicly.

While an unknown fourth group were also said to have held an interest, they withdrew before the first RFL deadline on Monday evening.

The trio of consortia now have until 5pm on Thursday (December 11) to make their full submissions to the governing body, who will make their decision on who will take Salford’s RFL membership and place in the professional game next Wednesday (December 17).

Irwin has not confirmed who he is working with but said last week: “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.