MARWAN Koukash will not be a part of the Bulls next season.

The billionaire businessmen this week announced that he would be handing over control of Salford Red Devils to a community trust.

His decision to step down after four years in charge of the Super League club has generated intense speculation about his next step.

The inevitable rumours have been flying about a possible link-up with former Salford director Andrew Chalmers at Odsal.

But sources within the club have dismissed the speculation, making it clear that there has been no contact and they do not expect any.

Chalmers last month denied a report that he had approached Koukash twice during the course of last season with the idea of running the Bulls together.

The New Zealander rubbished the claim that he wanted £750,000 in return for sharing ownership and had been turned down.

In a statement put out after the recent fans' forum, Chalmers revealed the club had rejected four approaches from various parties and were not looking for any investment partners.

Koukash and his wife Mandy tried unsuccessfully to buy the old Bradford club in 2014. His wife made another offer last December before the new club was established under Chalmers and former Wigan and New Zealand coach Graham Lowe.

A lot of hurdles would have to be cleared before Koukash could get involved with any new club.

But he is expected to stay in the game after bowing out following Salford's most successful campaign in Super League. A board of trustees will take charge, consisting of local businessmen and a fans' representative voted for by season-ticket holders.

Koukash said: "My decision is nothing to do with the operation of the game or the RFL, with whom during my time I have challenged but also enjoyed a fantastic working relationship."

He is close friends with Leigh owner Derek Beaumont and one possibility is a future link-up with the Centurions – who suffered relegation to the Championship at the weekend – in some capacity.