Thursday 25 January 2018 15:30, UK
Salford have "promptly declined" an offer from Hull KR for stand-off Robert Lui, the Betfred Super League club have announced.
The newly-promoted Robins made a move for the 27-year-old Australian to partner newcomer Danny McGuire, just a week out from the start of the new season.
The Red Devils have already lost half-backs Michael Dobson and Todd Carney since the end of last year and the new four-strong consortium now in charge of the club say they promptly rejected the move.
A statement from the club said: "Salford Red Devils can confirm that the club did receive an offer from Hull KR for Robert Lui which was promptly declined.
"We understand that Hull KR have since moved on to secure a half-back elsewhere."
Salford accepted a £170,000 cash bid from Warrington for forward Ben Murdoch-Masila during the close season but insist that Lui, who is under contract for two more years, is not for sale.
Club director Andrew Rosler said: "Salford Red Devils now rely completely on support from our community and increased support from our fans and sponsors to enable us to maintain and strengthen our squad.
"Rob Lui is a key component of our plans going forward and Rob is very happy at Salford.
"We are looking forward to starting the season next weekend against Wigan in front of a bumper crowd at the AJ Bell."
Salford coach Ian Watson was upset by the move for Lui and accused his old boss Tim Sheens of trying to unsettle his side.
Speaking at the Super League launch, Watson said: "Because of the situation we've been in with Marwan and the new trustees, some clubs look at us and think we're a little bit vulnerable.
"But we're a club that are not selling anybody. Rob Lui is 100 per cent staying with us. To sell him a week before the season would be absolutely ridiculous.
"It just seems a little bit strange to do it now. They've been talking about a new signing for a long time, Hull KR, and to now jump in on the back of us a week before the season, it's stirring it up a little bit more than anything.
"We're not selling Rob Lui. He's not going anywhere."
