England half-back Rangi Chase stunned Castleford Tigers by handing in a transfer request and now looks set to join Super League rivals Salford.
Chase’s future with Castleford has been shrouded in doubt for some time after he saw a move to Hull fall through last season over visa complications.
A return to St George Illawarra in Australia was also mooted back in April but again that failed to materialise and he ended up staying with Castleford.
However, the 2011 Man of Steel now seems to have edged closer to the exit door by handing in a transfer request and Salford look set to pounce.
It remains to be seen whether Castleford will accept the request but a statement from the West Yorkshire club read: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that Rangi Chase has submitted a transfer request.”
Salford, who are back by ambitious owner Marwan Koukash and are coached by Brian Noble, have already failed with two bids to land the 27-year-old and will be hoping it is a case of third time lucky.
The New Zealander also has options in the NRL and no doubt St George will again be in the hunt after selling him to Cas back in 2009.
Chase disappointed in the season after winning the Man of Steel, but has been back to his best in this campaign and the news comes as a big blow.
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