BY JOHN DAVIDSON

Exclusive: The new Salford Red Devils owners met with club employees today and have set a new deadline for when the investment will arrive.

According to several sources, owners Saia Kailahi and Curtis Brown visited the Salford Community Stadium earlier today to hold talks with players and staff.

rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands a new deadline of early to mid May has been set for money to arrive.

Players and staff have been told that Dario Berta, the head of the consortium, is expected to be in attendance for Thursday night’s match against Leeds.

But serious doubts remain whether the club will be able to meet its April payroll on time.

The new owners have previously failed to meet several deadlines set for payments to be made.

It is believed Salford is also still struggling to pay an HMRC bill worth around £500,000, and may soon receive a winding up order. The club has hired a specialist lawyer to deal with this.

The RFL has confirmed today that the Red Devils remain under special measures and a £1.2 sustainability cap.

Today the club announced the departure of star forward Kallum Watkins to Leeds Rhinos.

It has been rumoured that Chris Atkin may be the next player to depart, with Castleford Tigers interested in his services.

Atkin has not responded to a request for comment by rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.