Salford desperate to lose Locke

Kevin Locke in action for the New Zealand Warriors. Photo / Richard Robinson

Former Kiwis international Kevin Locke's time at Salford looks to be nearing an end with colouful club owner Marwan Koukash revealing he will consider offers for the fullback right away.

Locke is currently out of action following knee surgery but has fallen out of favour at the Super League club, with youngster Niall Evalds and utility Ben Jones Bishop both ahead of him in the selection stakes.

Koukash made his feelings on Locke clear while also suggesting the 26-year-old's less than impressive form for the Red Devils would see him re-think his approach to player recruitment.

"'I will even listen to offers for Kevin right now," Koukash told the Manchester Evening News today.

"'Big names do not mean anything to me anymore.

"Some who have come to this club have hardly given the club anything in return.
"Why would I want to ruin the chemistry of what is a very good and strong squad by bringing in what I term big-time Charlie's?

"This will not happen again."

This latest setback follows Locke's abandoned plans to switch codes to take up rugby in Scotland earlier this year.

After holding initial talks with the former New Zealand Warriors No1, Scotland Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson withdrew from negotiations.

Locke re-committed to playing with Salford but has struggled with injuries and had limited game time.