BY KANE AUSTIN

Newcastle chairman Brian McGuigan has confirmed six different consortiums have shown interest in purchasing the Knights franchise but no deal will be done until all criteria is met.

Since Nathan Tinkler walked out after his horror spell as owner, the NRL has run the club and was hoping to re-sell the club by the end of December.

“It’s got to be approved by a lot of people,’’ McGuigan told the Newcastle Herald.

“It’s pretty tough criteria. If they don’t meet it, we have to find some other interim position … anyone in business will tell you, you’ve got to have the structure right.

“We’ve still got the final issues to go through. That is, the price for the Knights, the [length of] commitment.

“But I’m just reinforcing that we will not be settling for anything unless it is the best thing for the fans.’’

McGuigan confirmed international interest which may or may not include eccentric Salford Super League owner Marwan Koukash who has previously been linked to the club.

“My preferred option – personally speaking – is for a local owner, who has his heart and soul and future in the Hunter,’’ McGuigan said.

“That’s a chance.

“Second is people out of Sydney, who have Newcastle interests. Third, and way back, is international interests.’’